The concept for M.O.M. originated with Gillian Crane, who suggested to Joy Rose that a Museum Of Motherhood was needed. Joy trademarked 'Museum Of Motherhood' and established a first-ever exhibit of 'Mom'oribilia at 42 Main St. in Dobbs Ferry, NY in 2003 with Gillian's friendship and approval.

This first-ever exhibit was conceived and executed with books, ephemera, mom-made objects and general information about the cultural standing of mothers in North America and remained in place through 2005. In 2006, Joy Rose, Terry Platz and Bob Bickford set about creating the overseeing 501c3 non-profit body 'Motherhood Foundation Inc.'  with Jennifer Edwards volunteering her expertise and acting as first board president for the ongoing work of the Museum.

Initial applications, fundraising and awareness raising through sister organizations like Mamapalooza, have resulted in the current website and growing movement of mothers who wish to see a Museum online and in a real home in Seneca Falls, NY the home of the Suffragette Movement in North America. In 2008, Dr. Andrea O'Reilly agreed to bring academic credibility to the Museum with the vast body of materials created through Demeter Press and ARM (Association For Research On Mothering). In 2010, ARM announced it would close and MFI and M.O.M await further news while continuing to build working realtionships with other like-minded organizations. Work is ongoing....