- Founded in 1903 by Mary Wiltsie Fuller, a socially conscious heiress from Troy, NY, as a “holiday house” for female factory workers facing grueling conditions in Troy and Cohoes.

- The name “Wiawaka”, derived from an Abenaki word, is believed to mean “The Great Spirit of Woman”

- Land was financed by philanthropists Katrina and Spencer Trask, who acquired the historic Crosbyside Hotel and nearby lakeside land. Katrina coined the name in 1905, and later formally deeded the core estate to Mary Fuller.

- In its inaugural summer, 176 working-class women stayed for just $3.50 per week

_______________

Historic Place & Continuing Legacy

- Wiawaka remains the oldest continuously operating women’s retreat in the U.S., and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

- The site preserves multiple Victorian cottages and the Adirondack-style lodge “Wakonda,” originally built for artist residencies.

- Beyond its historic buildings, Wiawaka continues to serve as a peaceful lakeside sanctuary offering activities like yoga, belly dancing, creative workshops, and communal meals.

- Right from the start, Mary Fuller and her supporters created endowed scholarships, ensuring that women of all income levels—especially factory workers—could have access to the retreat.

Today, the Fuller Respite Program is the primary scholarship fund. Named after the founder, it supports women who cannot afford the standard rates, though it usually covers part of the stay, not the entirety.

Scholarship application is confidential and based on need; Wiawaka strives to honor every request and relies on donations to maintain this level of inclusivity. Over decades, thousands of women—past factory workers, caregivers, veterans, survivors, students, artists—have benefited from reduced-rate access

Notable Alumni & Artistic Legacy

- In June 1908, Georgia O’Keeffe attended an artist’s retreat at Wiawaka’s Wakonda lodge on a scholarship from the Art Students League. Today, Wiawaka celebrates Georgia O’Keeffe Week annually in her honor, continuing its century-long connection to the arts .

Modern Programming & Ongoing Support

- Wiawaka offers year-round workshops and retreats—from writing and yoga to wellness, belly dance, and conservation—open to all women.

- It welcomes fully funded retreats for marginalized groups—veterans, caregivers, and the economically disadvantaged—and provides affordable lodging and meals on a sliding scale.

- The organization remains a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, funding its mission through donations, loans, and grants (e.g., for dock restoration) so that no one is turned away due to cost

- Wiawaka is more than a historical site—it is a living legacy of empowering women through rest, creativity, and community. The Fuller Respite scholarship program is a cornerstone that keeps the retreat aligned with its founding values: honoring women's dignity and providing true access to rejuvenation.