The organization was officially incorporated on March 4, 1864[2] "for the purpose of providing a home, in the City of Boston, for, or otherwise assisting aged and indigent colored women.
"[4] The HACW expanded throughout the latter half of the nineteenth century, and in September 1900, the Home moved to 22 Hancock Street.
[2][1] Many residents of the Home, referred to as "inmates," were members of the Black community in Beacon Hill, and learned of the HACW through word of mouth.
[1] In 1875, matron Rachel Smith, with approval from organization leadership, allowed residents to sell items to visitors at a fair to raise monety for the Home.
[2] According to its website, the Grimes King Foundation for the Elderly considers itself the "successor in interest to the Home for Aged Colored Women.