Adams, Mary Electa National Historic Person
Sackville, New Brunswick
Mary Electa Adams
© Expired
Address :
Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2004-03-05
Life Date:
1823 to 1898
Other Name(s):
-
Adams, Mary Electa
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2003-33
Importance:
At the forefront of reforms to the traditional approach to women's education in Canada
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Mount Allison University Campus Sackville, New Brunswick
Mary Electa Adams initiated major reforms to women’s education in Canada during the second half of the 19th century. As principal or head teacher, she significantly raised the standards at a number of ladies’ colleges in Ontario and New Brunswick, including the one here at Mount Allison Academy. She developed a rigorous academic curriculum, demonstrating that women were capable of receiving the same instruction as men, and pioneered the study of modern languages and literature. An outstanding mentor and leader, Adams paved the way for women to be accepted into Canadian universities.