From 1892-1952, Mount Holyoke College saw immense academic and departmental development as the Classics, Geology, Anthropology, and Art History departments were formed and advanced. This can all be traced to four pioneering women and their dedication to their respective fields. Each of these unique women promoted their departments and established their fields within the overall liberal arts curriculum of the college, having a profound effect on opportunities available to students, the role of women in academia and women’s role in the professional world.

Louise Fitz Randolph

Head of the Department of Art History for twenty years, Louise Fitz Randolph was the force behind hundreds of additions to the Mount Holyoke collection, of most importance a collection of plaster casts that provided new ways of understanding and studying both art and archeology.

                                        

 

                                        

 

Mignon Talbot

Over her thirty year career Mignon Talbot was Professor and Chair of the Geology department. Mignon gained fame for herself and Mount Holyoke with the discovery of the dinosaur Podokesaurus holyokensis. She aggressively rebuilt the specimen and mineral collection after the 1917 Williston fire.

                                        

 

                                        

 

Cornelia Coulter

Cornelia Coulter brought the Greek and Latin departments together to establish a strong Classics Department that hosted school events, put on plays, and brought lecturers to campus.

                                        

 

                    

 

Harriet Allyn

During her two decades at Mount Holyoke College, Harriett M. Allyn, both Academic Dean and professor, dedicated her career to balancing her duties as dean and developing the academic rigor and opportunities available in the newly founded Anthropology department.