Rotary History

History of Rotary

Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world for over 110 years.

Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started with the

vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23

February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful,

lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.

Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its

members.

Paul Harris

Rotary founder