The Birth of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

There is no doubt that this seemingly mild­-mannered lady from South Carolina recognized the untapped power and determination of American women early on. Without being disingenuous or manipulative, she sought women with a certain set of characteristics to serve as Vice Regents for the association. She needed women who were smart, creative, and perhaps most of all, connected. Miss Cunningham knew to be successful in purchasing Mount Vernon, she needed to find a way for her ladies to work with men, not around them.

Ann Pamela Cunningham

When asked what qualities were sought to be a member of the of the association, Miss Cunningham defined the role of a Vice Regent as such:

She shall be of  a family whose social position would command the confidence of the State, and enable her to enlist the aid of persons of the widest influence...She must be able to command considerable leisure, as the duties will require much time until stipulated funds are raised. She should also possess liberal patriotism, energy of character, cultivation of mind, and such a combination of mental powers as will insure that she shall wisely and judiciously exercise the power of voting in Grand Council upon the future guardianship and improvement of Mount Vernon.

As proven in her acquisition of the estate, this determined South Carolinian was ahead of her time. Today, the chairmen of most nonprofit organizations would create an almost identical job description for their board members. Miss Cunningham was a true pioneer of philanthropy and set an example for future business leaders.

In the post-Civil War era, almost every aspect of society reinforced that a woman's place was in the home, far from the public eye. In seeking Vice Regents, Miss Cunningham did not openly campaign against these social norms as the goal was not to lead a social movement. She simply ignored the status quo and searched for women who could get the job done.