Born: 1891 (London, England)
Died: 1990
Marion Rice Hart (10 October 1891 – July 2, 1990) was an American sportswoman, writer, and trailblazer for women in engineering and exploration. She became the first woman to graduate in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and went on to achieve notable accomplishments in various fields throughout her remarkable life.
Born in London, Marion was the fourth of six children of Julia and Isaac Rice. Her father, a successful businessman and founder of the Electric Boat Company, played a significant role in the development of submarines for the US Navy and others. Marion’s older sister, Dorothy Rice Peirce Sims (1889–1960), also made a name for herself as an aviator and sportswoman. Their mother, Julia B. Rice, was a strong advocate for peace and founded the Society for the Suppression of Unnecessary Noises in New York City.
Marion’s early exposure to her parents’ passions influenced her own pursuits. At the age of 15, she read an article about the railroad being built across the Andes, sparking her desire to become an engineer. She went on to attend Barnard College at 16 but transferred to MIT, where she became the first woman to graduate in chemical engineering. Marion’s accomplishments in a male-dominated field were groundbreaking, setting the stage for future generations of women in engineering.
After completing her studies, Marion worked as a physicist at General Electric Corporation for eighteen months. She then embarked on various unconventional career paths, such as working in a copper mine in Arizona with her husband, serving as a radio operator on a B-17, and even running a locomotive on the Southern Pacific railway. Marion’s thirst for adventure and determination to break barriers knew no bounds.
In 1926, Marion embraced her artistic side and began exploring painting and sculpture in a villa she purchased in Montfavet, France. Her passion for exploration extended to the skies and seas as well. In 1936, while working as a sculptor in Avignon, France, Marion took on the incredible feat of captaining a 72-foot ketch around the world in a three-year voyage. She mostly sailed unaccompanied, having dismissed a number of incompetent skippers and taught herself how to navigate. This exceptional journey covered around 30,000 miles and showcased Marion’s courage, resilience, and remarkable skills as a sailor.
When her voyage completed in 1939, Marion further expanded her horizons by becoming a ham radio operator and joining the Army Signal Corps during World War II. Marion’s sister, Dorothy, who was also a trailblazing aviator, sadly passed away in 1960, leaving Marion and three other siblings to carry on their legacy.
Never one to stop challenging herself, Marion decided to venture into the world of aviation at the age of 54. In 1946, she obtained her amateur pilot’s license, adding yet another impressive achievement to her already illustrious life. Marion’s determination to constantly learn and conquer new frontiers is a testament to her unyielding spirit and boundless curiosity.
Marion Rice Hart made significant contributions to various fields throughout her life, from engineering to art, sailing, and aviation. Her accomplishments paved the way for women in male-dominated industries and continue to inspire generations of women today. Marion’s relentless pursuit of her passions, fearless exploration of uncharted territories, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers have left an indelible mark on history, making her a truly remarkable and enduring figure in women’s history.