Maria Mitchell Explorer of the Stars
Channel: We B Martians
Date: 21/04/2022

Maria Mitchell Explorer of the Stars

This documentary charts the impressive career of America's first woman astronomer, Maria Mitchell (pronounced "Mar-EYE-a"). You'll see the house where she was born and studied astronomy as a girl, then follow her discovery of a comet which made her internationally famous as 29. Hear Maria's own words in excerpts from her journals and speeches, along with paintings and photographs of Maria, her family and her experiences. Learn about this outstanding woman and the times in which she lived.

1818 August 1, Maria Mitchell born in Mitchell House on Vestal Street, Nantucket.
1831 Maria assists her father as they observe a solar eclipse on Nantucket. 12 years old.
1836 Becomes the first librarian at the Nantucket Athaneum. Holds position for twenty years; teaches herself two foreign languages and advanced mathematics.
1847 Discovers a comet and receives gold medal from King of Denmark. First American and first woman given this honor. 29 years old.
1848 Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the first woman admitted.
1849 Hired by the United States Nautical Almanac to calculate transit of Venus. Continues for 19 years.
1865 Becomes America's first female Professor of Astronomy when Vassar College opens. Retires in 1888.
1875-'76 President of the American Association for the Advancement of Women.
1889 Dies in Lynn, Massachusetts, where her youngest sister lives. 71 years old.
1902 Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association founded by family members and students.

Writer-Producer-Director Mara Alper
Produced in cooperation with the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (https://www.mariamitchell.org)
Length: 15 minutes (digitization from VHS; portions of leader and trailer included for historical purposes)

©1993 Mara Alper