The mission of The Woman's Industrial Exchange is to actively support women's economic advancement and well being. The Exchange serves disadvantaged individuals by providing the opportunity for assistance through selling, refining and marketing their handcrafted items.

Description:
The Woman's Industrial Exchange continues to serve its non-profit mission as an outlet of hand crafted goods made by disadvantaged women and men intent on supporting themselves with dignity. Consignors receive a significant portion of the sale price of items sold by The Exchange. We work with over 150 consignors who create their crafts especially for The Exchange.

History:
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 procuring for them and establishing a sales room for the sale of Women's Work."

The present building at 333 N. Charles Street, constructed circa 1815, was purchased in 1860 by Mrs. Mary E. Boardley for a boarding house. A five story rear wing was added. The Exchange moved to this building in 1887 and purchased it in 1889. A shop window was added circa 1900, which enhances the fine Flemish bonded brick work and marble stoop.

In the late 1800's The Exchange sold women's handwork, operated a Tea Room and gave instructions in needlework and cooking. Consignors sent goods from all over the country as they do today to be sold in the shop.

Today we welcome you to our gracious and historic setting where we are carrying on a Baltimore tradition with your help. The Woman's Industrial Exchange continues to serve its non-profit mission as an outlet of hand crafted goods made by needy women and men intent on supporting themselves with dignity.

The Woman's Industrial Exchange is a woman-organized, woman-led philanthropic organization with origins dating to the 19th century. The Baltimore Exchange is one of the oldest continuously operating exchanges, and the only one still housed in its original building from a century ago. The Exchange is part of a national movement from 1832 advocating financial independence for women and dignity for women's work.

Contact people:

Jenny Hope, Board President, (phone), (email) Mary McDonough, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (410) 685-8915

Address:

333 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (See a map)

Web Site: http://womansindustrialexchange.org

Directions:

The Woman's Industrial Exchange is located at 333 North Charles Street in downtown Baltimore between Mulberry and Saratoga Streets. From the North: Take 83 South to St. Paul Exit. Travel south on St. Paul and then turn right onto Saratoga Street. Turn right onto North Charles Street, and travel one block north to Pleasant Street. We are on the left side of North Charles, on the corner of North Charles and Pleasant Street. From the South: Take 95 north to Exit 395. Then turn right onto Pratt Street. Next, turn left onto Charles Street and travel one block north to Pleasant Street. We are on the left side of North Charles, on the corner of North Charles and Pleasant Street.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Inner Harbor,   Walk distance (in minutes): 15   Nearest Bus Stop: 1/2 block south, #3 #11, 1 minute walk

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