maryannmccracken

You will no longer see updates from the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation here. Please follow us on Facebook or Instagram for further updates. Facebook: facebook.com/MAMcCFoundation Instagram: instagram.com/ma_mcc_foundat…

Today is #InternationalDayofEducation. Education has always been central to the Belfast Charitable Society & Mary Ann McCracken Foundation. In the 4thyr of the Mary Ann McCracken Bursaries, 61 students received support for study, training & work. #InternationalDayofEducation2026

In an age when profit was often prioritised over people, Mary Ann championed a radically different approach. She believed that businesses carried moral responsibility. She often advocated for factory owners to take better care of their workers, particularly children.

This Sunday (25 Feb), 10am–12pm, explore Mary Ann’s Poor House Tales at Clifton House. £5pp for a 30-min self-guided audio & AR tour on Mary Ann’s life, plus exhibitions on innovation Belfast Charitable Society’s past & present. Book via our website: cliftonhousebelfast.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/sh…

Mary Ann McCracken was a bold early abolitionist against slavery. In an era when it was widely accepted, she refused slave-made goods like sugar and worked to expose the brutality of the trade, linking everyday ethical choices to global justice.

For the 2nd time, the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation is sponsoring a special recognition award — the Mary Ann McCracken Leadership Award — at the prestigious annual #Blackboardawards. Find out about this remarkable woman in a new visitor experience :#self-guided-tour" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">cliftonbelfast.com/visit/#self-gu…

At a time when children were expected to work, Mary Ann held progressive views on education. She believed every child deserved dignity & learning. Educated at the David Manson School, she championed curiosity over punishment and saw childhood as a vital stage in children's lives.

Today is #HeritageTreasuresDay. We’re highlighting Margaret McCracken, Mary Ann’s sister & closest collaborator. Though her letters are lost, Margaret advised, worked & stood beside Mary Ann in everything.

Before “social welfare” had a name, Mary Ann McCracken lived it. In Belfast she aided the poorest, made clothes for Poor House children & fought inequality. She saw poverty as society’s duty, promoting dignity, education & opportunity. #innovation #womenshistory #belfasthistory

Born 8 July 1770 in Belfast, Mary Ann was raised by progressive parents who believed girls deserved the same education as boys. She attended the pioneering David Manson School, learning through creativity and phonetics, while mastering domestic skills.

#OnThisDay #Womenshistory #BelfastHistory #Storiesfromthearchive

This Jan–Feb we’re celebrating innovation, inspired by Mary Ann & the Ladies’ Committee. 🌟 New for 2026: self-guided tours now twice monthly! Please visit our website for more details on our upcoming tours and talks by Joh Gray & Ken Dawson. Details: cliftonbelfast.com/events

On behalf of the Board and Team at the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, we would like to thank you for your continued support this past year. We will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2024 - 4 January 2025, inclusive. We wish you all very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In the 1820s Christmas Day was business as usual but by the 1830s it became a holiday. The Poor House recognised Christmas Day, serving sweet buns with tea, letting staff go home & some children visit family. The children received small gifts like ribbons, nuts, apples & oranges.

Did you know? Mary Ann McCracken’s grandmother, Mrs McCracken Senior, fiercely held onto her Covenanting beliefs. Protesting set-days and holydays, she sat at her window on Christmas Day, spinning at her wheel.

On Human Rights Day, we honour Mary Ann McCracken- Belfast abolitionist, reformer & philanthropist. The Mary Ann McCracken Foundation continues her fight for education, equality and social justice. Her legacy reminds us to do all the good we can for society. #HumanRightsDay2025

On this day 8 Dec 1840 the Ladies' Committee asked for 12 new cloaks for the girls—there weren’t enough for all those attending Church. In Victorian times Church was central to community life & at Christmas it was especially important as a moment of faith, charity & togetherness.

🎄This Dec step back in time to Belfast’s rich Christmas history! Did you know Mary Ann McCracken gave presents to the children & in 1774, the BCS opened its doors on Christmas Eve? 🎁 Join us for Christmas events & tours throughout Dec! 🎁 More info: cliftonbelfast.com/whats-on/list/

She urged Madden to tell the full truth about the betrayals, injustices & forgotten ideals of the 1798 rebellion. She insisted he name names — especially those who abandoned or betrayed her brother Henry Joy. “Tell the truth, Dr Madden,” she said. “Let it be known who they were.”

In her 90s, Mary Ann remained a fierce advocate for justice & truth. When Dr. Richard Madden, historian of the United Irishmen, set out to document Ireland’s revolutionary past, he turned to Mary Ann, the last living link to that era.