The first Phi Mu convention was held in 1907, with eight chapters represented. Since then, Phi Mu has held conventions approximately every two years. The most recent, the 54th National Convention held in Chicago in 2016. National conventions provide myriad opportunities for both collegiate and alumnae members to network, make new friends, develop new skills, and generally become more involved in the organization.
Since the days of the Philomathean Society, service has been important to Phi Mu and its members. The first national philanthropic effort, the Phi Mu Healthmobile, was established in 1921 to provide medical services to under-served children and adults in rural Georgia. Other philanthropic projects such as Toy Carts, Project HOPE, and Children's Miracle Network would follow in the years to come.
Founded as the Philomathean Society at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, Phi Mu is the second oldest female fraternal organization in the United States. Mary Ann DuPont (Lines), Martha Bibb Hardaway (Redding), and Mary Elizabeth Myrick (Daniel) founded the literary society on January 4, 1852. It wasn’t until 1904 that the Philomathean Society became Phi Mu and the second, Beta chapter was established at Hollins University.
