History of the Chums

The organization known as Chums began as a friendship between three women in Norfolk, Virginia, and evolved into a social and civic club.   The organization was founded by Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown, and Theodora Jackson Cora. The idea for Chums came about on a cold, rainy night in February of 1946. The three founders were sitting in Barnes' red Thunderbird convertible. The war was officially over, each of the young women had a boyfriend serving in the military who wasn't home yet, and segregation was still the norm. That particular night, the three friends couldn't think of anything to do so they decided to form a social club and name it after their friendship "Chums." 

The trio first became friends during their college days at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. Although the organization began as a social club, Chums soon gained a new role with an emphasis on community service. The group functioned locally as a club until 1952 when it was incorporated as Chums, Inc.  

Sponsored by the New York Chapter of Chums,  the Providence chapter was installed in 1961 and celebrated its 63rdyear in 2024.  The chapter  currently consists of 20 active members who work together in friendship while combining the group's  many skills and talents in support to its community.