ORONO – Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter B held a 1950s-themed tea party June 13 at the Buchanan Alumni House in Orono. Several members from PEO Chapter A in Bangor also attended.

The PEO Sisterhood, founded in 1869 by seven students on the campus of Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is an organization in which women celebrate the advancement of women. It educates women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College, and members motivate one another to achieve their highest aspirations.

Originally a small college society, PEO expanded off-campus and today has a membership of more than 250,000 members with chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Headquarters are in Des Moines, Iowa.

From its inception, the PEO Sisterhood has taken an active role in the promotion of educational opportunity for women. Education continues to be the primary philanthropy of the organization.

Chapter B was organized in 1953 and Chapter A was organized in 1935. They are the only two chapters in Bangor. There are 11 chapters in Maine.

The chapter has sponsored or supported candidates for the Program for Continuing Education for women whose education has been interrupted and who need to return to school to complete their education.

The chapter also has supported the International Peace Scholarship for international students and the Scholar Awards for qualified women seeking advanced degrees. Cottey College, an accredited two-year independent, residential liberal arts and sciences college for women, is located in Nevada, Mo. It is owned and supported by the PEO Sisterhood.