Home

Anna Maria Jarvis was born on May 1st, 1864 in Webster, West Virginia. Jarvis was one of eleven children, and a daughter of social activist Ann Jarvis. Her mother, Ann Jarvis, founded Mother's Day Work Clubs, and ultimately inspired Anna Jarvis to found the Mother's Day holiday in honor of her mother. The story of Anna Jarvis and the founding of Mother's Day are important milestones in West Virginia and United States history. However, the way in which Mother's Day has grown to be somewhat commercialized is not what founder Anna Jarvis envisioned.