1853 — Brace founds the New York Children's Aid Society (CAS) at age 27, rejecting a conventional pulpit ministry in favor of direct social reform among the urban poor.
September 3, 1850 – September 21, 1853— Served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Prussia, appointed by President Millard Fillmore. Resident at Berlin.
Quote: "Appointed: September 3, 1850. Presentation of Credentials: December 10, 1850. Termination of Mission: Presented recall on September 21, 1853. Commissioned to Prussia; resident at Berlin." — Department History
1853— Retired from active public life and engaged in literary pursuits in Albany, New York.
1853, March — Brace and a group of Protestant ministers and New York businessmen found the Children's Aid Society. The first circular is published, announcing the organization's mission.
1853 — CAS opens its first industrial school and initiates the first unofficial free school lunch program in the United States.
February 1853— Howland joins eight other men, including Brace, to formally found the Children's Aid Society. He is named as a founding trustee.
Source: CAS History, Plan and Results, p. 6 — Columbia University Libraries
Quote: "Finally, in February, 1853, the association was formed under the name of the 'Children's Aid Society.'" — p. 7
March 1853— The first CAS circular is published by Secretary Brace from 683 Broadway, corner of Amity Street. Howland is among the trustees authorizing and supporting this founding document.
Source: CAS History, Plan and Results, p. 3–5 — Columbia University Libraries
1853 onward— Howland serves as an active founding trustee. Brace describes him as one of the "most energetic members" of the body in its early period, alongside Russell and Mason.
Source: CAS History, Plan and Results, p. 7 — Columbia University Libraries
Quote: "With him was associated Mr. Benjamin J. Howland, of peculiar compassion of nature, a Unitarian." — p. 7