The early 19th century saw much educational reform, including increased opportunities for women who wanted an education beyond what was available at their towns’ common schools. As mothers and teachers, they were called upon to educate a rising generation of new citizens and with the industrial revolution came new jobs for young women outside of the confines of the home. Academies for young women sprouted up in towns all over New England, including one founded by Mary Lyon in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Since students at the Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary were to be boarders- a relatively new experience for them- emphasis was placed upon creating a family-style environment. The school proved quite successful and still exists today as Mt. Holyoke College.
Hampshire Gazette. “Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary.” March 29, 1837. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l11-001/. Accessed on November 10, 2024.
Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.