At the conference for social work in Mainz 2001 ("Designing the Social Sphere, a Challenge for Europe") a workshop took place, which was dedi cated to the historiography of welfare in Europe in the years between 1900 and 1950. This workshop was organized by the editors of this book and vis ited by more than 30 experts from 14 European countries. The exchange of knowledge during the workshop was meant as a first step to an internationally shaped organisation for historical studies on social work - and all participants agreed that beside the merits of general founda tions the contribution of the female pioneers of welfare should playa domi nant role in the further research activities. To give this idea a strong perspective we decided to establish a "Network for Historical Studies of Gender and Social Work" which has in the mean time over 60 members from 21 European countries.