Born: 1847 (Paris, France)
Died: 1921
Sara Yorke Stevenson (February 19, 1847 – November 14, 1921) was an American archaeologist specializing in Egyptology, one of the founders of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, suffragist and women’s rights activist, and a columnist for the Philadelphia Public Ledger. As a scholar, Stevenson published books and articles on Egyptology and the material culture of the ancient Near East, as well as a memoir about the reign of Maximilian I of Mexico. She was the first curator of the Egyptian Collection at the Penn Museum and played an important role in acquiring much of the collection itself. As a women’s rights activist, she served as the first president of the Equal Franchise Society and the Civic Club of Philadelphia. She was the first woman to receive an honorary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, the first woman to lecture at the Peabody Museum at Harvard University, and the first female member of the Jury of Awards for Ethnology at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Personal Life:
Sara Yorke Stevenson’s parents were Edward Yorke (December 20, 1798 – 1868) and Sarah Hanna Yorke, who married in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1834 and who moved to Paris during the 1840s. They both came from established families: her mother’s family owned a large cotton plantation and her father was a cotton broker. Edward Yorke was born in Philadelphia and moved to New Orleans to represent the Yorke & Macalister law firm. In Louisiana, he was involved in the establishment of the public school system in New Orleans. He became interested in business ventures, including the introduction of gas to Paris, and a trans-isthmian railway in Tehuantepec. He died of paralysis in Vermont in 1868.
Sarah Hanna was born in Alabama and moved with her family to New Orleans. In addition to Sara, their youngest child, Edward and Sarah Hanna Yorke had four other children: Edward Yorke, born in New Orleans; Ellen Yorke, born in New Orleans, married Captain Charles Blanchot in 1865; Ogden Yorke, born in New Orleans, killed by brigands while working on the Isthmian Railway in 1862; and Mary Yorke, born in Paris, France, married Maurice Kingsley.
Sara Letitia Yorke was born in the Rue de Courcelles in Paris on February 19, 1847. Sara’s parents moved back to the States when she was only ten, leaving their daughters to attend boarding school in France. She lived in Paris from 1858 through 1862 under the guardianship of M. Achille Jubinal, who inspired Stevenson’s early interest in archaeology.
Stevenson’s interest in archaeology took root during her stay in France, where she had the opportunity to explore the country’s rich historical sites. This passion for ancient civilizations led her to immerse herself in the study of Egyptology, an emerging field at the time.
Biography:
Sara Yorke Stevenson’s notable contributions to archaeology and women’s rights make her a pioneering figure in American history. Born in Paris to American parents, Stevenson’s early exposure to European culture and history laid the foundation for her life’s work.
At a time when women were not widely accepted in the academic and professional spheres, Stevenson defied societal expectations and pursued her passion for archaeology. Inspired by her guardian, M. Achille Jubinal, she embarked on a career that would challenge prevailing gender norms and lead her to become one of the most respected experts in her field.
Stevenson’s involvement in the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology marked a pivotal moment in her career. Serving as one of its founders and the first curator of the Egyptian Collection, she played a crucial role in building the institution’s impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt and the Near East.
Her expertise extended beyond museum curatorship. Stevenson actively contributed to the field through her extensive research and publications. She delved into topics ranging from ancient Egyptian art and architecture to the customs and beliefs of the ancient Near East. Her meticulous scholarship and insightful analysis earned her a reputation as a leading Egyptologist.
In addition to her contributions to archaeology, Stevenson was an ardent advocate for women’s rights. She was a trailblazer in the suffrage movement, becoming the first president of the Equal Franchise Society, a prominent organization dedicated to advancing women’s voting rights. Through her leadership and activism, she worked tirelessly to create a more equal society, empowering women to participate fully in civic and political life.
Stevenson’s dedication to women’s rights extended beyond her role as a suffragist. She also championed educational opportunities for women and other marginalized groups, recognizing the transformative power of knowledge and intellectual pursuits. Her efforts paved the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in academia and beyond.
As a testament to her achievements, Stevenson received numerous accolades throughout her life. She was the first woman to receive an honorary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a significant recognition of her impact on the field of archaeology. She also made history as the first woman to lecture at the prestigious Peabody Museum at Harvard University and as the first female member of the Jury of Awards for Ethnology at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Sara Yorke Stevenson’s legacy continues to inspire and empower women in the fields of archaeology, academia, and activism. Her groundbreaking work shattered gender barriers and paved the way for future generations to challenge societal norms. Her unwavering commitment to both archaeological scholarship and women’s rights makes her a remarkable figure in women’s history, leaving an indelible mark on American society.
Awards:
– First woman to receive an honorary degree from the University of Pennsylvania
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