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Maria Mitchell In Her Own Words

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • August 7, 2023

Aug. 26, 1886 . . . . It wears upon me when I hear women say, “Men are no longer so ready to give up a seat in the cars, since the woman’s agitation arose.” I wish to ask if the agitation arose only recently? Also is such a statement true? If true, is it of any consequence? Also one grain of right fair dealing is worth more than a bushel of courtesy . . . .


Maria Mitchell, like other early women’s rights proponents, I think became frustrated with the new generations of leaders and fighters – that they forgot all the early women who started the movement – and those even earlier who spoke out well before there was a movement. Maria was one of these women. What I find interesting is her further frustration with the fact that here women want to be treated equally yet some complained that men are not being as polite and perhaps courteous and chivalrous with offering their seat, opening a door for them, etc. I, too, sort of find that ironic. Here they are finally being better recognized (to some extent) but still expecting some of the older courtesies to still stand. Perhaps some men were just being rude as a sort of payback but I could see others simply being okay then, even playing field.


JNLF

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NANTUCKET, MA—In celebration of 2025 International Dark Sky Week, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Lights, and the Maria Mitchell Association invite the community to an unforgettable evening of stargazing at Altar Rock in the Middle Moors. This free, family-friendly event, set for April 23, 2025, provides a rare opportunity to experience Nantucket at night and gain a deeper appreciation for the environmental significance of dark skies and how to preserve them.  Guided by expert stargazers, attendees will explore the night sky — all its constellations and celestial wonders — in a pristine, low-light environment. This collaborative community event presents an ideal opportunity to connect with nature, engage with like-minded individuals, and be inspired by the beauty of the night. Advance registration is strongly encouraged for weather-related updates. Event Details: • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Rain/Cloud Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 • Time: 8:00PM – 9:30PM • Location: Altar Rock, Middle Moors, Nantucket • Parking: Free parking will be available along Altar Rock Road, with volunteers on hand to guide attendees to the event site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. • Registration link: http://support.nantucketconservation.org/site/Calendar?id=101941&view=Detail • Open to all ages. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, children must be accompanied by at least one adult. • Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for current weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear, as the event will involve a short walk up to Altar Rock. For added comfort, we recommend bringing blankets or chairs. About International Dark Sky Week: International Dark Sky Week is a global initiative of DarkSky International to celebrate the dark and natural night sky, raise awareness about light pollution, and promote the use of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting during the week of the new moon in April each year. About the Nantucket Conservation Foundation: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline, conserves Nantucket’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and species. Through conservation, education, and stewardship, the Foundation aims to maintain Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and natural beauty for future generations. About Nantucket Lights: Nantucket Lights is an all-volunteer citizen advocacy group committed to preserving and protecting Nantucket’s nighttime environment and heritage of dark skies by raising awareness about light pollution on the island and advocating for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. About the Maria Mitchell Association: The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. ###
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“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.” -Edith Andrews
By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger March 24, 2025
I have posted this during Women’s History Month before but because it is March and Women’s History Month, I think it’s worth repeating. It’s clever and helps to tell an important story in women’s history while giving it a bit of a 21 st century twist. It comes via the National Women’s History Project. http://soomopublishing.com/suffrage/ JNLF
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