[3] In 1883, Peterkin helped found the first Virginia circle (chapter) of the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons, a Christian charitable organization.

Six years later, after she convinced the owner of a local boarding house (a mansion before the war) to allow the organization to use the building rent-free and a physician to donate his services.

The group secured supplies and established Sheltering Arms Hospital to serve those unable to afford medical care.

[4][5] It was incorporated in March, 1891, with Peterkin serving as treasurer and R. Moses D. Hoge Jr, son of the minister of Second Presbyterian Church as warden.

[8] The hospital she founded still exists in Richmond, transferring to a larger building in 1892,[9] rebuilt in 1965 (with a room named in her honor) and now operating as a rehabilitation facility.