About the Women's Civic League
For over a century, we have worked to preserve Baltimore's history, serve our community, and empower the women who call this city home.
Our Mission
The Women's Civic League Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the civic, cultural, and historical enrichment of Baltimore, Maryland. We bring together women committed to making a lasting difference through service, education, and advocacy.
Our work is rooted in a deep respect for Baltimore's heritage and a forward-looking commitment to the communities we serve. From historic preservation to youth outreach, we believe that engaged citizens build stronger cities.
Our History
1911
Founded in Baltimore
9 N. Front St.
Our Historic Home
100+ Years
Of Civic Service
Founded in the early twentieth century, the Women's Civic League has been a steadfast presence in Baltimore's civic life for generations. What began as a small circle of dedicated women has grown into an organization with a proud legacy of service and impact.
Over the decades, the League has championed causes ranging from historic preservation and neighborhood beautification to educational programs and community giving. Our home at 9 N. Front Street stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of our founders.
Today, we carry that legacy forward — honoring the past while investing in the future of Baltimore and its people.
Five Minute Histories
The Women's Civic League at the Thorowgood Smith House — a short documentary exploring our historic home and legacy in Baltimore.
Featuring Amelia Pinder Campbell, former President of the Women's Civic League of Baltimore.
A Century of Accomplishments
From landmark gifts to the city to decades of civic advocacy, the Women's Civic League has left an indelible mark on Baltimore.
1911
Founded in Baltimore
The Women's Civic League was established in 1911 by a dedicated group of Baltimore women committed to civic improvement, cultural enrichment, and community service — a mission that has guided the organization for over a century.
1911
Official Seal Adopted
The League adopted its official seal — featuring Baltimore's Washington Monument framed by laurel wreaths — designed by Mrs. Jean Hofmeister and selected by a committee of League members. The seal has represented the organization's identity ever since.
1954
Civic Education Legislation
The WCL successfully advocated for Baltimore City Schools to formally educate students for citizen responsibility and fuller participation in civic affairs — a landmark achievement that shaped generations of Baltimore's young people.
1962
The Naiad — Gift to Baltimore
The Women's Civic League gifted the Naiad sculpture and fountain to the City of Baltimore in 1962. The beloved landmark remains a symbol of the League's lasting contribution to Baltimore's public spaces and cultural landscape.
Ongoing
Clean City Awards
For decades, the League championed Baltimore's annual Clean City Awards, recognizing the Bureau of Sanitation's collection and street cleaning crews. Paired with the citywide Clean-Up Campaign, the program helped foster civic pride and a cleaner Baltimore.
Ongoing
Stewardship of the Thorowgood Smith House
The League has long served as steward of the historic Thorowgood Smith House at 9 N. Front St. — the residence of Baltimore's second mayor (1804–08) and one of the city's few remaining 18th-century homes. Preserving this landmark remains central to the League's mission.
1911 – 1999
Founded The Flower Mart
The Women's Civic League founded Baltimore's beloved Flower Mart in Mt. Vernon in 1911, running it for nearly nine decades until 1999. The annual tradition became a signature Baltimore event celebrated for its flowers, lemon sticks, and community fundraising — a cherished part of the city's cultural calendar.
Early 20th Century
Improved Sanitation & Public Health
In Baltimore's early communities, the League was a driving force for better public health — advocating for proper refuse disposal, smoke abatement, and cleaner living conditions. Their efforts helped establish standards of sanitation that improved daily life for Baltimore residents across generations.
Ongoing
City Beautification
The League helped beautify Baltimore by planting thousands of trees across the city and actively promoting gardens, recreation, and neighborhood improvement. Their beautification efforts transformed public spaces and inspired a culture of civic pride in communities throughout Baltimore.
Ongoing
Educated Residents About Local Government
The League published pamphlets and civic guides to keep Baltimore residents informed, including the annual Know Your City — a comprehensive resource covering city officials, policies, businesses, parks, landmarks, and how to participate in civic life. These publications empowered generations of Baltimoreans to engage meaningfully with their local government.
Early 20th Century
Built Neighborhood-Based Civic Organizations
The League played a foundational role in organizing and strengthening neighborhood-based civic groups across Baltimore. By building local networks of engaged residents, the WCL helped communities advocate for themselves and take an active role in shaping the city they called home.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Supported Interracial Civic Work
At a time when racial division was deeply entrenched, the Women's Civic League supported interracial civic collaboration in Baltimore. The League's commitment to inclusive community work reflected a forward-thinking vision of a city where all residents could participate in civic life together.
Annual Programs
Community Giving & Civic Events
Year after year, the League organizes signature events that serve Baltimore's residents: the Thankful Give Back Day, Holiday Give Back, School Supply Drive, Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show, Historic House Tour, and participation in Doors Open Baltimore. These programs reflect the League's enduring commitment to community service, education, and celebration of Baltimore's heritage.
Clean City Awards
One of the League's longstanding civic traditions has been the annual Clean City Awards — a contest honoring Baltimore's Bureau of Sanitation collection and street cleaning crews. The program recognized workers who kept the city clean and encouraged residents to nominate their own collection crews for the award.
Paired with the annual Clean-Up Campaign and parade sponsored by the Fire Department, Clean-Up Week (April 5–10) was a citywide effort the League helped champion — a testament to the organization's deep roots in Baltimore's civic life and its commitment to a cleaner, more beautiful city.
— From the Women's Civic League newsletter archives
What We Stand For
Preserve History
We honor Baltimore's rich civic and cultural heritage, protecting the stories and landmarks that define our city.
Serve the City
Through hands-on programs and community partnerships, we address real needs and make a tangible difference in Baltimore.
Educate & Engage
We believe an informed and engaged community is the foundation of a thriving city, and we invest in education at every level.
Our Leadership
The Women's Civic League is guided by a dedicated board of directors who volunteer their time and expertise in service to our mission.
Terah Turrentine
President
Denise Deleaver
Vice President
[ Secretary Name ]
Secretary
[ Treasurer Name ]
Treasurer
Amelia Pinder Campbell Tiffany Welch Kim James Amy Snyder
Board Member
LaShawn Bailey
Board Member
Join Our Legacy
Become a member of the Women's Civic League and add your voice to over a century of service, leadership, and community in Baltimore.
Become a Member