Born: December 19, 1881 (New York City)
Died: May 4, 1972 (Princeton, New Jersey)
Biography:
Hetty Goldman, born on December 19, 1881, in New York City, was a renowned American archaeologist who made significant contributions to the field throughout her career. As one of the first female archaeologists to undertake excavations in Greece and the Middle East, Goldman broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in the field.
Coming from a prominent banking family, Hetty Goldman had the resources and support necessary to pursue her passion for archaeology. Her father, Julius Goldman, was a lawyer, and her mother, Sarah (Adler) Goldman, a homemaker. With the encouragement of her family, Goldman graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1903, where she completed a double major in English and Greek. Her studies at Bryn Mawr laid the foundation for her future career in archaeology.
Following her undergraduate studies, Goldman pursued further education in archaeology at Radcliffe College. She became the first woman to hold the prestigious Charles Eliot Norton Fellowship from Harvard, which enabled her to study at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Goldman’s time in Athens provided her with valuable hands-on experience, and she conducted excavations at various sites, including the Necropolis of Halae.
In 1916, Hetty Goldman received her PhD, becoming one of the first women in the United States to obtain a doctorate in archaeology. Her doctoral thesis, titled The Terracottas from the Necropolis of Halae, reflected her meticulous research and attention to detail. This groundbreaking work laid the groundwork for future studies in the field.
Goldman’s contribution to archaeology extended beyond her academic achievements. In 1936, she became the first woman to be appointed as a faculty member at the prestigious Institute for Advanced Study. This appointment was a significant milestone for both Goldman and women in academia and demonstrated her expertise and respected standing within the field. Despite facing both gender and societal barriers, Goldman remained dedicated to her craft and served as an inspiration to aspiring female archaeologists.
Throughout her career, Hetty Goldman actively participated in excavations in Greece and the Middle East, contributing to the discovery and preservation of numerous ancient artifacts. Her expertise and scholarly contributions earned her recognition and respect in the field. In 1950, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a testament to her scholarly achievements and esteemed reputation.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to archaeology, Hetty Goldman was awarded the Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement by the Archaeological Institute of America in 1966. This prestigious award highlighted her significant impact on the field and further solidified her legacy as a trailblazer in archaeology.
Hetty Goldman passed away on May 4, 1972, in Princeton, New Jersey. Her contributions to the field of archaeology, as well as her perseverance in the face of adversity, continue to inspire and empower women in the field to this day. Her dedication to scholarly excellence and her pioneering role as one of the first female archaeologists have secured her a place in history as a true pioneer in women’s history.
Awards:
– Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement (Archaeological Institute of America, 1966)