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Sweeping the Skies with Maria Mitchell, America's first woman astronomer
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Sweeping the Skies with Maria Mitchell, America's first woman astronomer
(Portrayed by Noreen Grice, award-winning astronomy educator and New
England Native)
At one time, science was considered a career for men only. Maria
Mitchell changed that! Peering through a small telescope from a roof in
Nantucket Island in 1847, she discovered a comet that had never been
seen before. She won a gold medal and was named the first female member
of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. With her worldwide fame,
Maria Mitchell paved a path of new opportunities in science for all
women.
Sweeping the Skies is a living history portrayal of America’s first
woman astronomer, Maria Mitchell. Dressed in 19th century clothing, Miss
Mitchell arrives at your organization and recalls memories of growing up
as an inquisitive student in the whaling community of Nantucket, opening
her own school, serving as librarian in the town Atheneum and finally
becoming the very first Professor of astronomy and Observatory Director
at Vassar College. Whenever she faced challenges, she never gave up.
When people said she couldn’t, she did. Maria Mitchell’s story
continues to inspire girls to consider careers in astronomy and the STEM
fields.
After the program, Professor Mitchell answers questions from the
audience.
Running time: 40 minutes plus time for questions.
Previous appearances:
* Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC
Click here to schedule a visit with astronomer Maria Mitchell
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