AMI History

History of American Mothers

The ideals of American Mothers, Inc.® began in the heart and mind of Anna Reeves Jarvis as she sought to heal the damage done to families caught in the conflict of the Civil War. By organizing a day of love and friendship across battle lines, this simple observance grew into the national holiday known as Mother’s Day, for which American Mothers is the official sponsor. First organized in 1933 as a division of J.C. Penny’s Golden Rule Foundation, American Mothers embraced all faiths and recognized the important role of the mother in the home, the community, the nation, and the world. Armed with the mission of promoting Mother’s Day and recognizing outstanding mothers, the first National Mother of the Year ® was named by Honorary Chairman, Sarah Delano Roosevelt in 1935 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Every year since then, American Mothers has selected a remarkable mother from nominees among the 50 states, District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for this important honor. There is a Hall of Fame plaque located in the south lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel (former home of American Mothers) that lists every National Mother of the

Year ® since 1935.

Incorporated under the laws of New York in 1950, American Mothers became an independent, non-profitorganization in 1954. However, it was under the leadership of American Mothers Honorary Chairman, Mamie Eisenhower, that a strong presence at the United Nations was established. American Mothers continues to be recognized as a non-governmental organization at the United Nations and is currently working on relevant issues with the Commission on the Status of Women. Many outstanding individuals throughout America have served as officers, leaders, members, and supporters of this organization such as Sarah Delano Roosevelt, J.C. Penny, Norman Vincent Peale, Mamie Eisenhower, Phyllis Marriott, Lindy Boggs, and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

It is an inter-faith, non-political, non-profit organization that continues to recognize the invaluable contribution mothers make to the future success and happiness of children and society. Its purpose is exclusively charitable. The national headquarters is located in Washington D.C.

Every year since, American Mothers has recognized mothers who are courageous, bold, innovative, and creative. Moms who come from all walks of life, different states, different faiths, and various cultural, educational and professional backgrounds. Mothers who are making a significant difference, not just with their own children and families, but who have made a positive impact in their communities, their states and our nation.

American Mothers is an organization comprised of strong moms who strengthen families! Every year, American Mothers continues this special tradition of honoring and recognizing these extraordinary women. They are genuine examples of that ʻtypicalʼ American mother and their stories are inspirational. They embody all of the admirable qualities for which that first honor was given. They are stay-at-home mothers, working mothers, young mothers and grandmothers whose invaluable and selfless contributions will benefit the next generation.

Special Years in AMI History

1933 The American Mothers Committee is organized as a Division of J.C. Penny’s Golden Rule Foundation

1935 Honorary Chairman, Sarah Delano Roosevelt presents Lucy Keen Johnson from Georgia as the

           American Mother of the Year.

1943 All fifty states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico named a state mother of the year

1946 The first African American and granddaughter of a slave was named the National Mother, Emma

           Clement from Kentucky

1950 The American Mothers Committee incorporated under the laws of the state of New York.

1952 Senora Gonzales Videla, wife of the President of Chile, was honored for her outstanding work in raising standards        for their people.

1954 The American Mothers Committee became a completely independent, non-profit organization.

1965 The Mothers Manifesto was signed by over 13,000 mothers and sent to President Johnson as their pledge

           to help address the social problems of the day. It is the basis for the current American Mother Pledge.

1968 The first national young mother was named

1970 A plaque with the names of each National Mother was dedicated by Honorary Chairman, Mamie

          Eisenhower, and permanently placed in the south lounge of the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

1973 The American Mothers Chapel was built in the Garden of the God’s National Park in Colorado Springs.

1974 Golda Meir, past Premier of Israel was honored for her role in peace making

1975 Recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as the official sponsor of Mothers Day

1976 Mothers of Achievement in American History was published and a copy presented to each state’s

          Governor, Historical Society and Library.

1987 The American Mothers stamp was released by the United States Postal Service

2012 The first National Mothers of Achievement are recognized.

2013 The Mothers Hall of Fame Plaque at the Waldorf Astoria was refurbished and re-dedicated.