The Chums Social and Civic Club was founded in Norfolk, VA in 1946. The three founders were the late Mary Barnes, Joyce Brown and Theodora Jackson. They were great friends and eventually invited 15 other women of similar tastes and interests to join them. In June 1947, seven more members were added.

The Louisville Chapter was organized by local businesswoman Marie D. Lewis and was officially ininitatied into "Chumdom" in 1989. Of the original 22, two, Katrina Anderson and Betty Baye remain active in the local chapter. After she moved to Beaufort, S.C., Marie Lewis organized a Chums chapter there. The Louisville Chums played host to the National Conclave in 1995.

Today, there are 44 Chapters across the United States of America.