About Bethany Union

Bethany Union was organized on May 9, 1889, and opened its doors on November 19, 1890, with the purpose to provide a home for women who were unable to support themselves. Since its inception, the purpose has been to make the institution essentially a "home away from home."

In the late 1880s, the number of single women coming to Boston to seek jobs increased, and they had to rely on rooming houses. Bethany Union was founded by a group of Universalists who were concerned that women had no decent place to live. They began with a building in Boston's South End housing seven women, and eventually expanded to 50 rooms through acquisition of neighboring buildings. In 1940, Bethany Union moved to Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, where it now serves 43 women in three adjoining townhouses.

The Board of Directors, which supervises the dormitory, and three Trustees, who oversee the endowment fund, consist of Greater Boston, Massachusetts Bay District and Central Massachusetts Unitarian Universalist congregations. Four staff members, including a live-in Resident Director, work on the premises.

Reading Room
The Unitarian Universalist Women’s Heritage Society has arranged with Bethany Union to create a reading room, which contains archive materials that celebrates the lives and accomplishments of UU women. It also includes historical materials of Bethany Union. Use of the reading room is by appointment only.

Please contact the Resident Director at or call 617-236-0727 to arrange your visit.