College Club records

The College Club of Baltimore was founded in 1894 (chartered in 1908) for the purpose of gathering together women with college backgrounds to socialize and exchange ideas. Among the original founders and members were: Dr. Lilian Welsh, Dr. Mary Sherwood, Dr. Florence Sabin, Mrs. Fabian Ladd-Franklin, Miss Julia Rogers, and Mrs. A. Morris Carey.

The club was a result of a wider interest in college educated women gathering together to speak out for women's rights. Other organizations with similar purpose were: The Association of Collegiate Alumnae, The International Federation of University Women, and the Southern Association of College Women, which later merged with the Association of Collegiate Alumnae to form the American Association of University Women in 1921.

In addition to cultivating its many cultural interests, the College Club developed into a community action organization involving themselves internationally as well as nationally and locally. In both world wars the club was involved in giving aid to Britain, national defense at home, and, in more recent years, sponsored exchange programs enabling foreign women to study and work in Baltimore. Nationally, the group supported women's suffrage, and sponsored guest speakers and study leaders to educate themselves on national issues from education to legislation.

Locally, the members of this group raised money for undergraduate scholarships to Goucher College and eventually, through the American Association of University Women, helped provide funds for women to do graduate work in a variety of fields, both abroad and at home. Further, they provided clothing and funds to local charitable organizations. Depending upon the current interest of the membership, the College Club has had a more or less constant history of service to the community and the nation.