“Clear thought and self-directed action toward righteous
ends.”
Mary Lyons (1797-1849)
drew strength and resolve from her very difficult early life and followed the
path from teacher, to student to educator to realize her bold dream of a higher
education institution for women.
Fighting the current
theory that education was harmful to women, Mary was seen as subversive as she
valiantly fundraised for two years to provide an “affordable” education for
females.
In 1837, 80 students were
admitted to Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in South Hadley, MA. They were instructed
to bring a Bible, an atlas, a dictionary and two spoons (a dessert and a larger
spoon).
Thousands of women owe
Mary Lyon a debt that must be repaid in improving the world.
To learn more about this
incredible woman, go to
http://www.massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=322.
