Mary Barnett Poppenheim

Mary Barnett Poppenheim (September 4,1866-February 12,1936) was a clubwoman, social reformer, and editor who had great influence over women and South Carolina history. After studying at Vassar College, she went on to pursue leadership roles serving as the president of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), in both the South Carolina and national sectors of this organization. She also spent her time as a writer and editor for the Keystone and the South Carolina Women in the Confederacy where she promoted change for women's advancement in society and became an outlet for newly graduated women. Throughout her career, Poppenheim helped shape the social outlook on female advancement in social and civic life, while preserving the cultural ideas associated with being a southern lady.

Early life Mary Barnett Poppenheim was born in Charleston on September 4th in 1866. She and her sister were the eldest daughters of Christopher Pritchard Poppenheim, the owner of a well known dry goods store, and Mary Elinor Bouknight.

Education Living in Charleston for majority of her life, she completed preparatory work at the Charleston Female Seminary prior to attending university. Having ownership of the Keystone helped connect Poppenheim with other young post-graduate women who had close relationships with their alma mater who also had a passion for impacting society. Alongside Louisa, Poppenheim totaled almost 100 years of service and had positions in massive national organizations which she was praised for by the media due to her commitment and dedication. A lot of Poppenheim's time in her career focused on maintaining southern tradition while fighting for women's empowerment and reform in society.

Death Mary Barnett Poppenheim suffered a heart attack while walking in her garden on her property in Charleston, South Carolina. She died at 69 years old and was gone before help had reached her. Poppenheim is buried at Magnolia Cemetery alongside her sister Louisa.