Established in 1956, The Cottagers, Inc. is a philanthropic volunteer organization comprised of 100 African American female homeowners on Martha’s Vineyard whose mission is to support charitable, educational, and community service projects that improve the quality of life on the island.

COTTAGERS HISTORY

Founded in 1956 by Thelma Garland Smith, The Cottagers, Inc. is a prestigious, philanthropic group of African American women homeowners on Martha's Vineyard, MA. We promote a sense of cultural pride by fundraising to support charitable, educational, and community service projects that help improve the quality of life in the Martha's Vineyard community. 

Ms. Smith spearheaded the organization's founding with friends in response to criticism that African Americans did not care about the Island or contribute to community needs. Rather than take this as an insult, she and her friends took it as a call to action. 

Twelve women became the founders of the organization and began recruiting others. Meeting regularly in each other's homes, they made personal contributions. They held bazaars in Hartford Park, suppers, dinner dances, and clam bakes to raise money for their philanthropic efforts. 

Later, as more African Americans began summering on the Island, the women outgrew meeting at their homes. In 1968, under President Maggie Alston's leadership, they voted to buy The Oak Bluffs Fire Station and Town Hall at 57 Pequot Avenue and three lots on Wamsutta Avenue. The building was named Cottagers' Corner, and The Cottagers were incorporated on May 28, 1969.

Today, The Cottagers, Inc. is a diverse group of women of different experiences and generations, full-time and seasonal residents, who work to make Martha's Vineyard a better, more welcoming island through philanthropy, education, and community service. 

Board of Directors 2025-2027

Patricia R. Bush, President 
Linda Silva Thompson, Vice President
Donna Boles, Treasurer
Michele Hagans, Assistant Treasurer
Deidre Davis-Fudge, Financial Secretary
Marisha Clinton-Pressley, Recording Secretary
Stephanie Browne, Corresponding Secretary
Janet L. Baker, Member-at-Large
Pamela D. Bundy, Member-at-Large
Donna A. Johnson, Member-at-Large
Verna Thornton, Parliamentarian