Women in Paleontology in the United States 1840-1960

Abstract

Women such as Cecelia Beaux did many of the drawings used by early American paleontologists to illustrate their reports, especially those produced for state surveys. Sketching was taught by schools for girls (e.g., Troy Female Seminary) and drawing was considered an appropriate genteel skill which women could display without being considered unfeminine. Nineteenth-century women also collected fossils as a hobby; some turned them over to men for description, but by the end of the century a few women — Carlotta Maury ventured into print, either in collaboration with male colleagues or as sole authors. Paleontology was taught as part of geology courses at the early women's colleges, notably Mount Holyoke. The advent of micropaleontology was a boon for women. New sciences have often been more receptive to female practitioners than well established fields, and micropaleontology fits this pattern. Women micropaleontologists, among them Esther Applin and Alva Ellisor, were hired by oil companies, belying the stereotype of the petroleum industry as a male enterprise. Women paleontologists also have served throughout the 20th century as productive staff members in state surveys (Winifred McGlamery), the USGS (Julia Gardner), museums (Winifred Goldring), and college faculties (Mignon Talbot).