Maria Mitchell In Her Own Words

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • July 31, 2017

1873, July 21 Cambridge. We took an exceedingly hot day for a visit to   Cambridge. . . . Cambridge is beautiful – but it has no trees except those in parks . . . One thing is certain, Girton College has sat itself down before the University of Cambridge in siege and the little woman Miss Davies has obtained a quiet power that is very effective . . .


This second European trip, Maria made in the summer of 19873 with her sister Phebe Mitchell Kendall, her husband Joshua, and their son William Mitchell Kendall. Girton was the first residential college for women in the United Kingdom and had opened just about four years before Maria visited. Davies was its founder. But coming from the second oldest women’s college in the United States, and with her lifelong push for women in education and also women’s equality, this was a must on her return trip to Europe. What I like best about her comment is that of Girton being plopped right in front of Cambridge as if thumbing – or perhaps really thumbing – its nose at a centuries old institution where only men could be educated. Cambridge did not formally allow women to receive degrees until 1947. By her comments, it seems to have pleased MM as well.


For more about Girton College, visit: https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/girtons-past


And – make sure you stop by the MMA tomorrow from 1-4PM where we will be celebrating Maria Mitchell’s 199 th Birthday (and yes, we are gearing up for number 200!) with activities, period inspired music, a falconry demonstration, activities, and refreshments! All of our properties will be open for FREE. Everyone is welcome!


JNLF

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By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • August 17, 2026
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