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.