Mitchell, Maria (1818-1889)

Title

Mitchell, Maria (1818-1889)

Contributor

Phillip, Emelda

Source

Maria Mitchell, Image

birthday

1818-09-01

Birthplace

Nantucket, MA

Death Date

1889-06-28

Occupation

Astronomer

Librarian

Naturalist

Educator

Biographical Text

Maria was America's first professional female astronomer. She was born to Quaker parents, William and Lydia Coleman. Maria was an avid learner and she received education from the local schools and extensive home tutoring. She gained her love for astronomy from her father's lessons on astronomy, mathematics, surveying and navigation. By the age of 14, ship captains trusted her to rate their ships' chronometers for their long whaling journeys. Maria also became Nantucket Atheneum's first librarian while simultaneously working for the U.S Coast Survey alongside her father. In 1847, Maria discovered a comet. Her discovery brought her fame and in 1865, she became Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College. She was a founder of the Association for the Advancement of Woman, the first woman member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the first women members of the American Philosophical Society.

Maria never married or had children but she dedicated her whole life to teaching astronomy. She constantly involved her students with her astronomical observations and advocated for smaller classes. In 1889, Maria passed away due to brain disease.

Bibliography

About Maria Mitchell, Maria Mitchell Association

Maria Mitchell, Wikipedia