Lovey Mary Maccracken: A Trailblazing Educator and Philanthropist

Lovey Mary Maccracken was an American educator, philanthropist, and advocate for women's education. She was born in 1848 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and died in 1923 in New York City. Maccracken was a pioneer in the field of education, and her work helped to open up opportunities for women in higher education. She was also a strong advocate for social justice and worked to improve the lives of women and children.

Early Life and Education

Lovey Mary Maccracken was born on February 22, 1848, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Her parents were John Maccracken and Jane Campbell Maccracken. She had two older brothers, William and Henry.

Lovey

by Mary MacCracken

4.6 out of 5

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Maccracken's father was a Presbyterian minister, and she was raised in a religious household. She attended public schools in Allegheny and graduated from high school in 1864.

In 1865, Maccracken enrolled at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Vassar was one of the first colleges in the United States to admit women, and Maccracken was one of the first women to graduate from the college.

Maccracken graduated from Vassar in 1869 with a degree in mathematics. After graduating from college, Maccracken returned to Allegheny and taught at her former high school.

Career in Education

In 1872, Maccracken was appointed principal of the Female College Preparatory School in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school was founded by Lydia Sigourney, one of the leading women's educators of the time.

Maccracken served as principal of the school for five years, and under her leadership, the school's enrollment increased significantly. She also introduced a number of new courses to the school's curriculum, including science and mathematics.

In 1877, Maccracken was appointed president of Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Wellesley was one of the first colleges in the United States to be founded by and for women.

Maccracken served as president of Wellesley for 18 years, and under her leadership, the college's enrollment increased from 150 students to over 1,000 students. She also introduced a number of new programs to the college, including a graduate school and a department of social work.

In 1899, Maccracken resigned as president of Wellesley and moved to New York City. She continued to work in education as a lecturer and writer.

Philanthropy and Social Activism

In addition to her work in education, Maccracken was also a philanthropist and social activist. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and worked to improve the lives of women and children.

In 1890, Maccracken helped to found the National Council of Women, which was an organization dedicated to promoting the interests of women. She also served as the president of the council for several years.

Maccracken was also a strong advocate for children's rights. She was a member of the New York Child Labor Committee, which worked to protect children from exploitation.

Later Life and Death

In her later years, Maccracken retired from public life and lived in New York City. She died on January 29, 1923, at the age of 74.

Legacy

Lovey Mary Maccracken was a pioneer in the field of education and a strong advocate for women's rights. Her work helped to open up opportunities for women in higher education and to improve the lives of women and children.

Maccracken was a role model for women and girls, and her legacy continues to inspire women to pursue their dreams.

Images

* [Image of Lovey Mary Maccracken] * [Image of Vassar College] * [Image of Wellesley College] * [Image of the National Council of Women]

Keywords

* Lovey Mary Maccracken * Education * Women's rights * Philanthropy * Wellesley College * Vassar College * National Council of Women * Child labor

Lovey

by Mary MacCracken

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1025 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	212 pages

FREE