CATHERINE BEECHER
Name: Catharine Esther Beecher
Born: September 6, 1800
Died: May 12, 1878
Catharine Esther Beecher (September 6, 1800 - May 12, 1878) was a noted educator,
renowned for her forthright opinions on women's education as well as her
vehement support of the many benefits of the incorporation of a kindergarten
into children's education.
Beecher, born in East Hampton, New York, was the daughter, of outspoken
religious leader Lyman Beecher. Her numerous other well-known family members
include her sister Harriet Beecher Stowe, the 19th century abolitionist and
writer most famous for her groundbreaking novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, and two
brothers who were both renowned Congregationalist ministers, Henry Ward Beecher
and Charles Beecher.
She was educated at home until she was ten years old, when she was sent to a
private school where she was taught the limited curriculum available to young
women. The experience left her longing for additional opportunities for
education, and she taught herself subjects not commonly offered to women.
To provide such educational opportunities for others, in 1823 Beecher opened the
Hartford Female Seminary, where she taught until 1831. The private girls school
in Hartford, Connecticut, had many well-known alumni, including Catharine's
sister Harriet. Later, Catharine was engaged to marry Professor Alexander Fisher
of Yale University, but he died before the wedding was to take place. In 1841
Beecher published “A Treatise on Domestic Economy for the Use of Young Ladies at
Home and at School a book which discussed the underestimated importance of
women's roles in society. The book was edited and re-released the following year
in its final form.
Name: Catharine Esther Beecher
Born: September 6, 1800
Died: May 12, 1878
Catharine Esther Beecher (September 6, 1800 - May 12, 1878) was a noted educator,
renowned for her forthright opinions on women's education as well as her
vehement support of the many benefits of the incorporation of a kindergarten
into children's education.
Beecher, born in East Hampton, New York, was the daughter, of outspoken
religious leader Lyman Beecher. Her numerous other well-known family members
include her sister Harriet Beecher Stowe, the 19th century abolitionist and
writer most famous for her groundbreaking novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, and two
brothers who were both renowned Congregationalist ministers, Henry Ward Beecher
and Charles Beecher.
She was educated at home until she was ten years old, when she was sent to a
private school where she was taught the limited curriculum available to young
women. The experience left her longing for additional opportunities for
education, and she taught herself subjects not commonly offered to women.
To provide such educational opportunities for others, in 1823 Beecher opened the
Hartford Female Seminary, where she taught until 1831. The private girls school
in Hartford, Connecticut, had many well-known alumni, including Catharine's
sister Harriet. Later, Catharine was engaged to marry Professor Alexander Fisher
of Yale University, but he died before the wedding was to take place. In 1841
Beecher published “A Treatise on Domestic Economy for the Use of Young Ladies at
Home and at School a book which discussed the underestimated importance of
women's roles in society. The book was edited and re-released the following year
in its final form.