Magdalen Society of Philadelphia

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The Magdalen Society of Philadelphia was a private charitable organization founded in 1800 to redeem prostitutes and other "fallen women". The society was the first association in the United States that sought to rescue and reform wayward women. Several 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 incorporated in 1802. The organization was based on Magdalen hospitals in England and Ireland, which were named for Mary Magdalene. Similar organizations were soon started in other American cities in the early 19th century.