Seamen's Widow and Orphan Association

The Seamen's Widow and Orphan Association of Salem was formed May 1, 1833 and incorporated in March, 1844. The original purpose of the organization was to give relief to widows and orphans of seamen. In the first year of its organization there were sixty-six family assisted. There were sometimes 125 or more names on their list of beneficiaries. They ran a home (orphanage) for youth whose families were stricken by poverty, or illness or death. The agency was committed to raising strong youth, able to care for themselves and their families. Later, its name changed, to the Salem Seamen's Orphans and Children's Friend Society.

In the early 20th century, the orphanage was closed. The agency, then named the Children's Friends and Family Service Society, became an adoption agency and a "friendly home visitor” agency, working to strengthen families.

Over the last 20 years, the agency has changed again in response to the needs of youth and families, developing counseling, mentoring, day care and juvenile court services, and becoming a county-wide organization, with offices in Lynn, Salem, Gloucester, Amesbury, and Lawrence. Its programs now serve over 5,000 youth and family members yearly.

See Also

• 19th Annual Report of Associated Charities 1910 Reports, p. 34-58 (drawing of home on Carpenter St.)

• Children's Friend and Family Services Official Website