Mary Digges Lee (1745-1805)
This evening, I am privilaged to present an honoree, Mary Digges Lee, who acted in defense of our country during a time of national crisis; a woman who went outside the prescribed social circles of women during the eighteenth century to make an important contribution to the Revolutionary War effort, at a time when women of her social status were expected to remain behind the scenes.
Mary Digges Lee, the wife of Governor Thomas Sim Lee, responded to the need of the Revolutionary War troops from Maryland by rallying the women of Maryland to raise money in support of the war effort. She then established a correspondence with General George Washington, asking how these resources could be put to best use. General Washington responded suggesting that the money raised be put toward the purchase of much-needed shirts and black neck cloths for the troops in the Southern army. He expressed gratitude to Mrs. Lee for the "patriotic exertions of the ladies of Maryland in favor of the army."
Mrs. Lee's extraordinary effort is only one of the stories being discovered about women in Maryland, particulary women such as the first ladies and official hostesses of Maryland who until now have been largely ignored by historians. The idea to study the lives of the First Ladies and official hostesses was first suggested by First Lady, Frances Hughes Glendening. She began with the exhibition which opened just a year ago of the state-owned portraits of First Ladies and Official Hostesses in Government House. This initiative has continued with research at the Maryland State Archives into the lives of all the first Ladies and Official Hostesses under the direction of Mimi Calver and Elaine Rice. With Mrs. Glendening's help, and with the help of the search committee for our summer internship program, we have found a number of dedicated, well-qualified volunteers. In paticular, I would like to recognize Emily Oland, who is here tonight with her mother. I would like Emily to stand and be recognized. As an archival intern last summer, and a volunteer since then, Emily has worked diligently to bring to light the largely unknown contributions of Maryland's First Ladies and Official Hostesses.
Mrs. Glendening is right when she said that these women worked very hard with little recognition. Emily's research, much of which will shortly be available on the Internet at the Maryland State Archives' web site, has already demonstrated how important these women were to the history of the times in which they lived.
But one example is our honoree tonight. Mary Digges Lee dared to venture beyond the limited sphere allowed to women of her time, and in doing so she took an invaluable step forward towards the advancement of women's rights. While her aid to the war effort was inestimably important, her actions hold a deeper significance for American women. In addition to being a wife, a mother, a homemaker, and a hostess, Mary Lee was a leader, a role model, and a patriotic citizen. Through her actions on behalf of the state of Maryland, Mary Digges Lee became a true American who earned her title of First Lady of Maryland, as well as her place in American history.
She must have been a remarkable woman. Thomas Sim Lee's marriage was the envy of his relations. As one cousin put it "It is reported here that you are married to Miss Digges and I desire I may be permitted to felicitate you on the occasion -- you are now arrived at the summit of your wishes in the company of her you so ardently sought after; and will no doubt enjoy more real happiness ... than in the pursuit of honour and fortune in the East Indies."
It is a pleasure for the Archives to be involved in research projects that will give meaning and context to the lives of those who served the state in the official or unofficial capacity as First Lady or Hostesss. We are particularly pleased that Mary Digges Lee could be among the first of the First Ladies to achieve the singular honor of induction into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.
For the staff, including Emily Oland who did all of the research and lobbied effectively on Mary Digges Lee's behalf, and for Mary Digges Lee herself, I am honored to present this honoree.
Thank you.
© Copyright April 10, 1996 Maryland State Archives
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