Mabel Thorp Boardman was an American philanthropist involved with the American Red Cross. She led the Red Cross in the United States following its receiving congressional charter in 1905 until World War I, however she did not take up the post of chairman since she believed the organisation would lose credibility with the public.
Background
She was born on October 12, 1860 in Cleveland, Ohio to a well-to-do family. Her father, William Jarvis Boardman, a lawyer and active in politics, was the grandson of the Senator Elijah Boardman. Her mother, Florence Sheffield, was the granddaughter of Joseph Earl Sheffield, who was a major benefactor of Yale University.
Education
She was educated at private schools in Cleveland, in New York City, and in Europe.
Career
In 1900 she was one of the incorporators of the American Red Cross and for many years thereafter was active in Red Cross affairs. Until 1940 Boardman was director of various Volunteer Special Services. As active national secretary and member of the Central Committee, she directed the Red Cross handling of major relief problems of World War II. From December 1944 until her death, she was honorary national secretary. Boardman served a term as a commissioner of the District of Columbia. During the period from 1900 to 1946, membership in the Red Cross rose from 300 to 29, 000, 000. She was decorated frequently by foreign countries and was the recipient of honorary degrees from several schools and universities. In 1944 Boardman received the first Distinguished Service Medal ever awarded by the Red Cross. The citation paid tribute to her as an "inspirer, leader, and practical idealist. " She was the author of Under the Red Cross Flag at Home and Abroad (1915). She died in Washington, D. C. , on March 17, 1946.