(August 2, 2024) Memories of Baltimore’s historic Woman’s Industrial Exchange (WIE) were in danger of fading into obscurity. However, the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center (MWHC) recently completed a two-year project to research and preserve artifacts found in the building, and to conduct and archive oral histories of the women who kept the WIE in operation for over 100 years.
A free open house celebration, open to all, will take place on Sunday August 25, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the MWHC/WIE at 333 N. Charles Street.
Many of today’s Baltimoreans have memories of the WIE consignment store and restaurant that was popular in mid-20th century Baltimore. There will be presentations about the women who were a part of this city icon. Guests will also see collections of items from the WIE’s mid-century heyday that were stashed in closets in the building up until now.
Dr. Amy Rosenkrans, a MWHC board member, local historian and Baltimore City Public School social studies teacher, spearheaded the research: “I am very excited to unveil the stories that we have discovered about the Woman’s Industrial Exchange. This project has allowed us to go beyond chicken salad and tomato aspic (staples at the WIE restaurant) and document untold stories of the many people behind this iconic institution.”
Student interns from Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Morrissy Honors program, Anna Choudhary and Eliza Davis, played a major role in research and website development.
Brittany Powell, a former student of Dr. Rosenkrans, designed and produced the display of WIE artifacts contained in the WIE’s street-fronting window.
The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, a statewide nonprofit that researches and preserves the stories of Maryland women, has occupied the WIE’s former storefront since 2020. Marian House serves homeless and underemployed women. The building, therefore, has a decades-long history of serving and supporting women.
Dr. Rosenkrans adds: “The WIE was always a place for good food, fellowship and chatter. During the open house, we will unveil our new website and hear the stories behind the current window exhibit. Now, the WIE website will showcase and preserve the vast history and artifacts from this Baltimore landmark.”
Funding for this project was provided in part by a Baltimore National Heritage Area grant.
Admission is free. All are invited to share their own memories of the Woman’s Industrial Exchange.
Womans Industrial Exchange waitresses, circa 1995. Baltimore Evening Sun image, used with permission.
Tomato aspic and chicken salad were legendary menu items in the mid-century of the Woman’s Industrial Exchange. Photo: Baltimore Evening sun, used with permission.
