Mary Emery Circle
The Mary Emery Circle was established to show appreciation and recognition to the generous women who contribute $1,000 or more in a fiscal year to support the work of Cincinnati Children's. This recognition circle is named after the first woman who gave her time and talent to create Cincinnati Children's, Mary Emery.
Join the Mary Emery Circle
Each year, members of the Mary Emery Circle have the opportunity to meet other women who share their passion for Cincinnati Children's. They are invited to participate in educational events, focusing on topics relevant to women of all ages. Potential topics include: women's health, parenting issues, care giving for a dependent and planning for retirement.
We hope you will consider joining the Mary Emery Circle. Together, we can help change the outcome for children and families.
History of Mary Emery
Mary Muhlenberg Emery (shown above in a photograph taken around 1910) is recognized as the first woman who gave her time and talent to create Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Her dedicated efforts to enhance the Cincinnati community and the world around her leave a legacy that is honored and remembered today.
After moving to Cincinnati with her family, Mary met Thomas J. Emery (1830-1906), a prominent industrialist and real estate developer. They married in 1866 and had two sons, Sheldon and Albert. While the family's holdings thrived, Mary's personal life was marred by the tragic loss of her two sons: Albert died in a sledding accident at 16 and Sheldon died of an infection at 23. In 1906, Thomas' health failed during a trip to North Africa, and Mary was left widowed.
During their married years, Mary and Thomas made important and lasting contributions to Cincinnati through Thomas' businesses and through their philanthropic support of cultural and educational efforts. After Thomas' death, Mary felt strongly that she should put the fortune left to her to good use. She continued to support philanthropic work already underway, and she began many new projects. Most notably, she was the impetus behind the creation of Children's Hospital (now known as Cincinnati Children's). She also founded the planned community of Mariemont, Ohio, and created a new wing of the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Mary Emery came to be known as "Cincinnati's Lady Bountiful" due to her generosity and her compassionate nature. At Cincinnati Children's, she will always be remembered for beginning a legacy of hope and cures for the children cared for by the medical center.
Contact Us
For additional information regarding opportunities to support Cincinnati Children's, please contact the Department of Development at 513-636-4561, development@cchmc.org.
