The P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded in 1869 by seven pioneering young women on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Since then, the membership of the P.E.O. Sisterhood has grown to over a quarter of a million members, with chapters established in the United States and Canada. P.E.O. supports women in the realization of educational dreams through educational philanthropy and sponsorship, scholarship, loan and grant programs. The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a unique source of friendship, encouragement and support in the lives of its members.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood officially arrived in Louisiana on May 15, 1922 with the organization of Chapter A, in Shreveport. Five years later dimits (transfers) from Chapter A organized Chapter B. By 1930 P.E.O. had spread to Baton Rouge where chapter C was formed. P.E.O. continued to grow throughout the state. In 1945 the organization of the Louisiana State Chapter began with a Convocation taking place in Shreveport on October 30-31, 1946. The First Annual Convention was held in Baton Rouge on April 17-18 1947 at the Heidelberg Hotel. Mary S. Eidson, Chapter K served as the first State President.