In 1955, a small group of young Black women residing in Baltimore City became members of the Continental Society of the Virgin Islands and were sponsored by the Washington, D.C. chapter.

 

The original organization had begun five years earlier in New York when Ms. Marie Poston introduced a “hands-across-the-sea” concept. The Baltimore Chapter’s co-founders Helen Quarles, Helen Gattis, and Lillie Branch, along with charter members Frances Branch, Emily Peck, Margaret Turner, Susan Jones, Margaret Mason, Jean Harris Ashburn, Doris Cole, Frankie Hinchen, Arnetta Lottier, Doreva Stanley, Ethel Saunders, Bernice Watson, and Delores Young made up the 16 members installed.

 

Just one year after its installation, Baltimore, along with sister chapters in Philadelphia, PA, Newport News, VA. and Washington, D.C. withdrew from the national organization to focus on local children’s needs. Then local group adopted the name and was incorporated as “The Continental Society for the Children of Baltimore”.

 

Today, there are 48 chapters in 21 states in the Continental USA, the District of Columbia, and Bermuda. Continental women represent diverse professions and interests, all committed to contribute their time, talents and funds to sponsor activities that fulfill our organization’s goals through child-oriented programs and networking projects with other organizations which serve children and youth.