Woman's Industrial Exchange - The Organization

The Organization

The Woman's Industrial Exchange of Baltimore City is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1880, incorporated in 1882, and continues to serve the same mission of providing local people the opportunity to earn income by selling handmade items to the public.

The Woman's Industrial Exchange began shortly after the Civil War in the home of Mrs. G. Harmon Brown of Baltimore, where women brought their handwork to be sold to local citizens and visitors. Mrs. Harmon's endeavor was part of a nationwide Exchange Movement to help women in need discreetly earn a living.

In 1880 the enterprise was so successful that a shop was opened at Saratoga and Holiday Streets. In 1882 the State Legislature incorporated the organization "for the purpose of endeavoring by sympathy and practical aid to encourage and help needy women to help themselves by procurring for them and establishing a sales room for the sale of Women's Work."

In the late 1800s The Exchange sold women's handwork, operated a Tea Room and gave instructions in needlework and cooking. Consignors provided quality handmade items to be sold in the shop. The Exchange continues to serve its non-profit mission as an outlet of hand-crafted goods made by women and men intent on supporting themselves with dignity.

The Woman's Industrial Exchange building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It is included in the Baltimore National Heritage Area.