In 1898, the Societa Santa Maria Maddalena di Mutuo Soccorso was founded by settlers from Atrani, a village along the Amalfi coast. Originally intended to function as a mutual aid organization, assisting those in need within its community of members, it soon expanded its philanthropic interest beyond that goal.

Antonio Cannelli in his 1921 book, "La Colonia Italiana Di New Haven," notes that in that year it made contributions to the Red Cross, an earthquake relief effort in Italy, an orphanage in Amalfi, and also spent $3,000 on the festivities for its patronal feast in July.