The National League of American Pen Women was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1897, because the National Press Club would not admit women writers. The Iowa City branch was organized in 1963 and chartered in February of 1964. Edith Pierce was the catalyst. When women who had traveled many miles to attend Des Moines branch meetings were notified, five members switched to the Iowa City branch. Together with four local women, the total was nine members. The early years saw meetings held in homes. Many writers garnered awards. In 1965 Margaret Walker Alexander, a black graduate student, spoke to the group.

Over the years, poetry workshops and speakers comprised the programs, and a luncheon was included. New members were invited if they met the requirements of professionalism prescribed by the organization. Writers had to have been paid for published works and artists had to have sold works and to have been asked to show in juried shows. Composers were also eligible for membership. The Iowa City branch awards prize monies to students. Members compete at a state convention every other year forsmall prize monies.