MWHC at the Woman’s Industrial Exchange

The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center is a statewide organization with an exhibit and meeting space in the historic Marian House/Woman’s Industrial Exchange (WIE) building located at 333 N. Charles Street in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood.

Founded in 1880, WIE helped craftswomen discreetly earn a living and operated there in various forms until June, 2020. Both the building’s current owner, Marian House, and MWHC serve women and now carry the WIE’s spirit into the future.

Our venue honors the unique stories of Maryland’s women and their contributions to the past, present and future. It is the first comprehensive state center of its kind in the nation. We recognize that part of our charge is to help preserve this building’s heritage.

The MWHC is open by appointment and for special events. We welcome all to make an appointment to visit us and learn about:

  • The Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame
  • The incredible strength and innovations of Maryland Women starting from 1600s St. Mary’s County landowner Margaret Brent who asked the Maryland legislature for the right to vote to the present time
  • Exhibits that may include Maryland Valiant Women: The Fight for Suffrage Maryland Unsung Heroines, Maryland Women in STEM and Images and Expressions: Maryland Women in the Arts
  • Maryland suffragists whose passion and bravery has only recently come to light
  • Other permanent and changing exhibits about the achievements and contributions of Maryland women
  • Our intimate meeting and small event space where visitors are surrounded by stories of amazing Maryland women

Johns Hopkins, Executive Director of Baltimore Heritage, presents a history of the Woman’s Industrial Exchange as part of the popular “Five-Minute History” presentations.

Maryland Women’s Heritage Center was recently highlighted on WJZ CBS New Baltimore during Women’s History Month 2024.