Born: 1828 (Bad Bramstedt, Duchy of Holstein)
Died: 1909
Biography:
Johanna Mestorf (17 April 1828 – 20 July 1909) was a pioneering figure in the field of prehistoric archaeology, serving as the first female museum director in the Kingdom of Prussia and often referred to as the first female professor in Germany. Born in Bad Bramstedt, Duchy of Holstein, she was the youngest of four surviving children of Jacob Heinrich Mestorf, a physician and antiquarian, and Sophia Katharina Georgine, nee Körner.
Following the death of her father in 1837, Johanna and her mother relocated to Itzehoe, where she attended the Blöcker Institute, an esteemed upper school for girls. Her passion for intellectual pursuits led her to further her education in Sweden in 1849, when she took on the role of governess for the esteemed Piper family at Ängsö Castle. It was during this time that she also delved into the study of Scandinavian languages, igniting her fascination with the region’s rich cultural history.
In 1853, Mestorf returned to Germany and embarked on a series of travels to France and Italy, accompanying an Italian countess who was a relative of the Piper family. These journeys allowed her to immerse herself in the archaeological wonders of these countries and further develop her knowledge and understanding of the field. Her extensive travels and exposure to different cultures laid the foundation for her future contributions to archaeology.
By the late 1850s, Mestorf had settled in Hamburg, where she resided with her brother Harro. In 1867, she secured a position as a secretary for foreign correspondence, while simultaneously pursuing a path of self-education in archaeology. This period marked a turning point in her career, as she began translating significant Scandinavian archaeological works into German. Her translations not only made a profound impact on the development of the field in Germany but also played a crucial role in establishing the Three-age system and typological study of artifacts.
In addition to her translations, Mestorf began writing literature, articles, and essays on ethnography and archaeology. Her deepening understanding of Norse mythology led her to deliver captivating lectures on the subject. Her passion for knowledge and commitment to sharing it with others were further demonstrated by her attendance at various anthropological congresses in Copenhagen, Bologna, Stockholm, and Budapest. She wrote detailed reports on each of these congresses, solidifying her reputation as a notable figure within the archaeological community.
In 1868, Mestorf received an honorary post at the Kiel Museum, which later merged with the Museum of Antiquities of the Fatherland in 1873. This merger gave rise to the Schleswig-Holstein State Archaeological Museum at Gottorp Castle and the Institute for Prehistory and Ancient History at the University of Kiel, where Mestorf became the first custodian. Her contributions to the field and dedication to preserving the museum’s collections, which included her father’s extensive collection, led to her appointment as the first female museum director in Germany in 1891.
Mestorf’s scholarly achievements were further recognized in 1899 when, on her 71st birthday, the Prussian Ministry of Culture bestowed upon her the title of honorary professor. This distinction solidified her position as a trailblazer, as she is regarded as the first woman to receive such an honor in Germany. She retirement in 1909, and on her 81st birthday, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in acknowledgment of her remarkable scholarship. Johanna Mestorf’s contributions to the field of archaeology and commitment to the advancement of knowledge serve as an inspiration to future generations of female scholars.
Awards:
– Honorary Professor: Awarded by the Prussian Ministry of Culture in 1899, recognizing Johanna Mestorf’s exceptional scholarly contributions.
– Honorary Doctorate: Awarded on her 81st birthday in recognition of her remarkable scholarship.