Maria was born August 1, 1818 of nine children, in Nantucket, Massachusetts. She was born into a family that practiced the Quaker tradition. The Quaker tradition taught that boys and girls should be educated as equals. Her father …show more content…
She discovered a comet, in 1847, while observing the stars,and described it as,” a small blurry object that did not appear on her charts”. Maria was also the first female professor of astronomy in the US. In 1848, Maria was appointed the first woman to the Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 1853, Maria was awarded the first advanced degree given to a woman from Indiana Hanover College. Maria was awarded the Medal of Merit from Switzerland and the Republic of San Moreno, in 1859. Maria was appointed to the American Philosophical Society, in 1865. In 1865, she was appointed as the first woman to the faculty of Vassar College. Finally, in 1875, Maria was elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Women. `
Maria had a significant impact on the Women’s Rights Campaign and the world of Astrology. Not long after her death, the Maria Mitchell Association was founded next to her home in Nantucket, MA. It was founded in 1902, to honor her legacy. Still today, the MMA is still working, and operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, and preserves the historical birthplace of Maria Mitchell. Maria believed in learned by doing, and MMA reflects that philosophy. Maria Mitchell had a significant impact on the world, and her legacy will live