Maria Montessori, la Società Umanitaria et l’expérimentation des Maisons des enfants à Milan (1908-1923)

This article aims to reconstruct the role played by the Società Umanitaria (Humanitarian Society), based in Milan, in spreading the Montessori method. The period under study spans from 1908, the year of the initial mediation of the Women’s Union’s members for the creation of the first Children’s Houses in the Società Umanitaria’s district, until 1923, the year of Augusto Osimo’s death, the general secretary of this institution. In particular, through the analysis of Maria Montessori and Augusto Osimo’s correspondence, the author highlights the complex history of their fruitful collaboration, which materialized with the organization of Montessori training courses by the Società Umanitaria. Their cooperation was further reinvigorated by a common cause, namely support for children who were victims of the war.