Organizing Generosity: Historic Salem Women’s Organizations Unite for First-Ever Collaborative Event
Six philanthropic societies spanning 225 years join forces to celebrate centuries of women supporting women in Salem
Unprecedented Collaboration Marks Salem 400+ Milestone
In observance of Women’s History Month, six of Salem’s historic women’s charitable organizations will host their first-ever joint public event on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Old Town Hall. The gathering celebrates centuries of organized female philanthropy in Salem and marks multiple significant anniversaries for the participating organizations.
The free public lecture, titled “Organizing Generosity: Centuries of Women Supporting Women in Salem,” will feature Salem historian and author Donna Seger at 10 a.m. at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with complimentary coffee and refreshments available.
Centuries of Pioneering Philanthropy
Seger’s presentation will highlight how Salem women pioneered the use of philanthropic organizations to aid the most vulnerable—a practice that continues today and predates women’s suffrage by more than a century.
“Throughout history Salem women have organized to provide care and comfort of hundreds of people,” Seger said. “From the widows and orphans of Revolutionary soldiers and seamen lost at sea, refugees from shipwrecks and slavery, Civil War soldiers on the front, to the emigres, elderly, disabled or displaced; Salem women have been at the forefront through organized charities and organizations centuries before they had the right to vote.”
A Salem 400+ Milestone Event
The collaboration represents a landmark moment in Salem’s quadricentennial celebration, bringing together organizations that have operated in parallel for generations but never previously united for a public event.
“Events like this are exactly what Salem 400+ is all about,” said Virginia Cherol, Salem 400+ Coordinator. “The anniversary has given organizations a reason to pause, look back, and recognize just how deep their roots go — and in this case, those roots stretch back over hundreds of years. The fact that these six remarkable women’s organizations are collaborating on a public event for the very first time is a perfect example of that. This is what the initiative was created for — to use this milestone year to celebrate, connect, and remind Salem and the world of the extraordinary people who built this city and continue to shape it today.”
Six Organizations, Multiple Anniversaries
The March 28 event is particularly symbolic as 2026 marks the 210th Anniversary of Old Town Hall itself. The six hosting organizations represent an unbroken chain of female-led philanthropy:
Salem Female Charitable Society (Founded 1801 – 225th Anniversary)
The Salem Female Charitable Society’s mission is to provide monetary assistance to Salem Women who are experiencing financial hardship. The organization’s intention is to help empower these women to improve their lives and therefore improve the lives of those who may be dependent upon them. Notably, the SFCS was established 15 years before the construction of Old Town Hall.
Seamen’s Widow and Orphans Association (Founded 1833)
It is the mission of SWOA to afford relief to individuals and families in Salem, Massachusetts, such relief to be afforded directly to said recipients or indirectly by way of gifts to recognize benevolent organizations that serve, at least in part, the community of Salem, Massachusetts.
Brookhouse Home for Women (Founded 1861 – 165th Anniversary)
The Brookhouse Home is committed to providing quality supports to senior women, encouraging them to live active, satisfying lives both at home and within their community.
Woman’s Friend Society (Founded 1876 – 150th Anniversary)
The Woman’s Friend Society has been a positive and often pioneering force in the charitable life of Salem, Massachusetts, since the founding of society in 1876. Through Emmerton House, providing affordable housing for women, and the outreach work of its committees, the Woman’s Friend Society continues to contribute actively to the Salem community.
The House of Seven Gables (Founded 1910)
At The House of the Seven Gables, and Emmerton House we envision a nation where storytelling is a pathway to empathy, and history is a tool for transforming our present; where immigrants are supported and valued; and where positive change begins in our own neighborhood.
League of Women Voters of Salem (Founded 1920)
The League of Women Voters of Salem is a nonpartisan organization committed to building a stronger community and championing democracy, with the goal of an informed, engaged citizenry.
The Spirit of Generosity Continues
Lynn Frothingham of Brookhouse Home emphasized the unique nature of this collaborative event.
“This is one of those unique opportunities among our long-standing organizations to host an event together thanks to Salem 400,” said Frothingham. “As host organizations we take great pride in these early philanthropic institutions from the Salem Female Charitable Society, which began at the very beginning of the 19th century to the League of Women Voters in the early 20th century. The spirit of generosity and caring for others continues among the women of Salem to this day.”
Event Details
What: Organizing Generosity: Centuries of Women Supporting Women in Salem
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Where: Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, Massachusetts
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Seating: Open seating
Refreshments: Complimentary coffee and refreshments available
RSVP: Email organizinggenerosity@gmail.com or call Woman’s Friend Society at 978-744-2137
About Salem 400+
Salem 400+ commemorates Salem’s quadricentennial while acknowledging the preexisting indigenous community and explores the opportunities and connections of Salem’s multifaceted history while crafting a vision for current and future generations.
Event Contact:
Email: organizinggenerosity@gmail.com
Phone: 978-744-2137 (Woman’s Friend Society)
