The Remarkable Life and Career of Ellen Swallow Richards: Pioneer in Science and Technology

Ellen Swallow Richards Timeline

1842 — Ellen Swallow is born in Dunstable, Massachusetts, on December 3.

 She lives on the Swallow Farm with parents and grandparents.

1859 — Ellen and her parents move to Westford, Massachusetts.

 Ellen attends Westford Academy for two years.

1863 — The Swallow family moves to Littleton, Massachusetts.

1864 — Ellen begins her first teaching job.

1865 — Ellen moves away from home to teach in Worcester, Massachusetts.

1866 — Ellen returns home for two years of “Purgatory.” 1868 — Ellen enters Vassar College.

1870 — Ellen graduates from Vassar College.

 MIT committee reviews Ellen’s application for admittance on December 3.

 MIT’s President Runkle informs Ellen on December 14 that she may attend the Institute.

1871 — Ellen enters MIT in January.

 Peter Swallow, Ellen’s father, dies in March.

1872 — Ellen begins work on water testing with Professor Nichols.

1873 — Ellen teaches science to women at Girls’ High School of Boston.

 Ellen graduates from MIT.

 Ellen receives a master’s degree from Vassar College.

 Professor Robert Richards proposes marriage.

1875 — Ellen marries Robert Richards.

 The Richards move into their home on Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain.

1876 — Woman’s Laboratory is opened in November.

 Ellen teaches correspondence science courses throughout North America.

1878 — Ellen and her students conduct a study on adulteration of foods, which leads to the nation’s first Food and Drug Acts.

 The American Association for the Advancement ...