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GSUSA is Selling the Edith Macy Center in New York
The sale will empower GSUSA to extend Edith Macy's vision in dynamic, inclusive, and tech-enabled ways—far beyond what one location can offer.
October 23, 2025
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) recently announced that after an intense study and evaluation of Edith Macy, in partnership with internal and external experts, GSUSA recommended, and the National Board approved the full sale of the Edith Macy Center. Use of the property has significantly declined over the years, and GSUSA operates Macy at a $1 million annual deficit.
Edith Macy, chair of the Girl Scouts National Board from 1919 to 1925, dreamed of a Girl Scout instructional facility to offer high-quality training for girls and adults active within the Girl Scouting movement. Following Edith's death, land was donated to GSUSA in 1925 to bring her dream to life. The sale will empower GSUSA to extend Edith Macy's vision in dynamic, inclusive, and tech-enabled ways—far beyond what one location can offer.
The net proceeds from the sale of Macy will be placed in a designated fund from which, in perpetuity, GSUSA will honor and modernize the "University in the Woods" legacy in two important ways:
- 75% of the annual spend will be allocated to national training & education to prepare and inspire those who deliver Girl Scouting.
- The remaining 25% will be allocated to support council camp improvements through the deployment of grants to revitalize council-owned property.
2026 will mark 100 years since Macy was gifted to the Girl Scouts organization. GSUSA deeply respects the historical significance of Macy and is committed to honoring its legacy. GSUSA has assembled a Legacy Advisory Group of Girl Scout members to help guide its work with GSUSA's Cultural Assets team to honor the history and legacy of Macy and the Great Hall. GSUSA will share more details in the coming months.
Additional Property Developments
The national board also approved the sale of up to three floors at the GSUSA National Headquarters located at 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City. GSUSA will maintain a national presence in NYC on two floors, as well as continue to operate Girl Scout Central to serve the many Girl Scouts who visit the city annually.
Juliette Gordon Low moved the GSUSA national headquarters to New York in 1915, and since 1992, GSUSA headquarters has been located at 420 Fifth Avenue. GSUSA will maintain a headquarters in NYC with a smaller property footprint that aligns resources with future strategy.
Just as Juliette Gordon Low sold her treasured pearls to invest in Girl Scouts, GSUSA is making bold decisions to invest in the future. These decisions are about honoring Girl Scouts' past while leaning into the future—to revolutionize engagement and support of girls and the adults who serve them.
