Magdalen Society of Philadelphia

The Magdalen Society of Philadelphia was a private charitable organization founded in 1800 to redeem prostitutes and other "fallen" women. This was the first association in the United States that sought to rescue and reform wayward women. A number of local clergymen and citizens affiliated with Quaker, Episcopal and Presbyterian denominations met to form the Society. Bishop William White, the nation's highest-ranking Episcopal bishop, was the first president of the Society, which officially incorporated in 1802. The organization was based on Magdalen hospitals in England and Ireland, which were named for Mary Magdalene. Similarly designated groups were soon started in other American cities in the early 19th century.

The Magdalen Society of Philadelphia, a private charitable organization was founded in 1800. The stated purpose of Philadelphia's Magdalen Society was "restoring to the paths of virtue those unhappy females who in unguarded hours have been robbed of their innocence." The president of the Society was Bishop William White, rector of Christ Church; the vice-president was Robert Wharton, mayor of Philadelphia.

To accomplish its mission, the Society in 1808 opened a refuge to house about a dozen prostitutes and other errant women. Operated by a Board of Managers, this was the "Home for Magdalens," once located at the northeast corner of Race and 21st Streets. (The Franklin Institute's Futures Center addition now stands on the site.)

The women that the asylum admitted were called magdalens and were assigned a number in the order they entered the facility. They were mostly young immigrant women between the ages of 17 and 23 who were aimless, family-less, unsupported and in need of help. They generally did not share the Magdalen Society's image of their "guilt and wretchedness," but instead simply sought a sanctuary from disease, the prison or almshouse, unhappy family situations, abusive men, and dire economic circumstances.

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