Woman's Industrial Exchange facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Woman's Industrial Exchange
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Woman's Industrial Exchange, March 2012
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 Location in Baltimore
Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 333 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1815 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003145 |
| Added to NRHP | December 19, 1978 |
The Woman's Industrial Exchange is a special historic building located at 333 North Charles Street in Baltimore, Maryland. It started as a townhouse built in 1815. Later, a large, five-story section was added to the back. In 1860, Mrs. Mary E. Boardley bought the building to use as a boarding house, and she added the back part. The Woman's Industrial Exchange organization bought the building in 1889. Around 1900, a shop window was added. This window shows off the beautiful brickwork and marble steps. Today, the building has the shop and offices of The Woman's Industrial Exchange, two restaurants, and seven apartments where people live.
About the Organization
The Woman's Industrial Exchange of Baltimore City was a non-profit group. This means it was not trying to make money for owners. It was founded in 1880 and officially became an organization in 1882. Its main goal was to help local people earn money by selling items they made by hand.
How It Started
The Woman's Industrial Exchange began soon after the Civil War. It started in the home of Mrs. G. Harmon Brown in Baltimore. Women would bring their handmade items to her house. Then, these items were sold to people living in Baltimore and visitors. Mrs. Harmon's effort was part of a bigger movement across the country. This "Exchange Movement" helped women who needed to earn money in a quiet and respectful way.
Growing and Helping Women
By 1880, the idea was so popular that a shop was opened at Saratoga and Holiday Streets. In 1882, the state government officially recognized the organization. Its purpose was to "encourage and help needy women to help themselves." They did this by finding and setting up a sales room for "Women's Work."
In the late 1800s, The Exchange sold women's handmade goods. They also ran a Tea Room and taught classes in sewing and cooking. People who made items, called "consignors," provided good quality handmade goods to be sold in the shop. The Exchange continued its non-profit work. It was a place for handmade goods made by women and men. These makers wanted to support themselves with dignity.
Historic Recognition
The Woman's Industrial Exchange building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it is recognized as an important historic site. It is also part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area. The Woman's Industrial Exchange officially stopped its operations on June 15, 2020.
