Ann Pamela Cuningham
Ann Pamela Cuningham Chapter, NSDAR
Columbia, South Carolina
What is the DAR?
The DAR is the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR). Click here for more information about the NSDAR.
About our chapter
Our chapter is named after Ann Pamela Cuningham and is located in Columbia, South Carolina. We would love to talk with you about becoming a member of NSDAR and our chapter. If you would like more information about the DAR, including membership requirements, please email us or fill out the membership interest form and return to our chapter.
The Ann Pamela Cuningham Chapter, NSDAR, was originally organized by Regent Mrs. William Burney in 1926. Chapter meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. from October through March. Meetings are held at local historical sites and members’ residences. We have a variety of exciting programs on history, education, patriotism, and much more! We also have a wide range of service projects and other activities throughout the year. Join us and find meaningful activities that suit your time and talents.
Who was Ann Pamela Cuningham?
The chapter was named in honor of a gifted daughter of South Carolina, Ann Pamela Cuningham. She was born at “Rosemont”, Laurens County, South Carolina on August 15, 1816. She received her education at the historic Barhamville Female Academy in Columbia. In 1853, she founded and was the first regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to purchase and preserve the mansion and tomb of George Washington, along with 200 acres of land. She died May 1, 1875, and is buried in the graveyard of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
Ann Pamela Cuningham was a daughter of a prominent South Carolina family. Although healthy and active as a young woman, she suffered a riding accident at age 17 that left her an invalid, often confined to her bed.
In 1853, Ann Pamela Cuningham’s mother passed by Mount Vernon and was shocked at its neglect. Mrs. Cuningham realized that unless an effort was made to preserve Mount Vernon, it would be lost. Her daughter immediately began a campaign to save the home by writing to the Charleston Mercury, asking southern women to save Mount Vernon. The story was picked up by other newspapers and the American preservation movement began. As the first historic preservation group in America, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was the stimulus for other efforts to identify and save significant historical sites.
Photos courtesy of chapter members
