The National League of American Pen Women was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1897 as a professional association for women writers; the National Press Club would not admit women at the time. The Iowa City branch was organized in 1963 and chartered in February of 1964. Edith Pierce played a key role in its founding. The initial membership consisted of four local Iowa City women and five women for whom the new chapter was closer to their homes than Des Moines. The early years saw meetings held in homes. Many writers garnered awards. In 1965 the celebrated Chicago Black Renaissance poet Margaret Walker Alexander, who was then a PhD student at the University of Iowa, spoke to the group.

Writers, as well as artists and composers, were eligible for NLAPW membership if they met the requirements of professionalism prescribed by the organization, such as having been paid for work or asked to exhibit in juried shows. Meeting programs generally comprised poetry workshops, speakers, and a luncheon. The Iowa City chapter awarded prizes for student work, and NLAPW members competed for prizes at their state convention.