Maria Mitchell In Her Own Words

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • November 14, 2022

Nov. 11, 1887. Today when I feel well it seems to me that I may, when I retire, lecture some. Every year I decline one or two invitations to lecture. The Herschels make one very long Lecture; the St. Petersburg another; Saturn a grave one, Jupiter a grave one. The visit to Cambridge, England. 


Just now my electric light does not work which troubles me much.


While Maria always said she hated lecturing, her focus on her distaste for lecturing was mainly in regards to her students. She felt that teachers talked to much and always said to her students, “We are women studying together.” This largely comes from Maria Mitchell’s belief in learning-by-doing. Something which she acquired from island schools, in particular, those of Cyrus Peirce, but also the Quaker schools and her tutelage under the eye of her mother and father. Today, the MMA continues that legacy – as it has from its founding in 1902 – sharing our programs in a hands-on format so that you are learning while doing. I know that has always been the best way for me to learn – even when it comes to a new board game or trying to fix something! 


But, I also like this passage as it highlights that yes, Maria did live into the age of electricity and had the same issues with her lighting!


JNLF

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