Manuscript Collections of the
Nantucket Historical Association Research Library

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MS5 - Maria Mitchell Papers, 1859-1883

Collection Overview:
Chiefly social letters; also an extract of journal of William Mitchell.

Historical Note: Maria Mitchell (1818-1889) was the daughter of William and Lydia (Coleman). William was a Quaker and a teacher devoting himself primarily to astronomy in which he had a distinguished career. He was at one time chairman of the Harvard Observatory Committee and, for a long time, one of the Overseers of Harvard College. He was a member of the Massachusetts Senate and of Governor Briggs’ Council. It is not surprising that his children were accustomed to cultivated society and brilliant minds. At the age of twelve, Maria began her astronomical observations. She worked as librarian at the Nantucket Atheneum to earn money for her studies. She became Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College and, when nearly thirty, was awarded a gold medal by the King of Denmark for her discovery of a telescopic comet.

FOLDER 1
Letters Out to Mrs. William H. Crosby: ALS regarding Maria's travels and that she still thinks Nantucket people are bright and moral and few communities compare, none outside New England. Rome, n.d ALS regarding preparation of a speech. n.d. ALS with a nostalgic request. ALS to Alexander Starbuck describing him as one of her "Atheneum boys" commends his faithful industry and good penmanship. She also speaks of her visit to England and the Astronomer Royal. Aug. 24, 1859 ALS to Prof. Rogers seeking escort to her to Paris, London, Nov. 12, n.y.

FOLDER 2
Maria Mitchell Letter about Maria Mitchell Irene to Mrs. Washington F. Davis , Jan. 1, 1883: describes seeing Maria Mitchell in her rooms at Vassar College.

FOLDER 3
Maria Mitchell Poem, Welcome Home, n.d. By E. Starbuck welcoming Maria Mitchell back to Nantucket.

FOLDER 4
Maria Mitchell Letter attributed to her. n.y. June 14, mentions papers of Miss Barney, social gossip and reading.

FOLDER 5
Maria Mitchell Extract from Journal of William Mitchell, December 16, 1835 Reporting severe cold and deaths by freezing of Phebe Coleman and Priscilla Cartwright, December 15, 1835 Typescript of will, December 10, 1876

FOLDER 6
Maria Mitchell [Letters In] 2 ALS from Mrs. B [Hershel, wife of Sir John Frederick Herschel, 1792- 1871, English astronomer] describing her home and family. Collingwood, [England], April 27, 1876; July 9, 1878