Boston

1913 · 22502 — 1913. Women's Education Law Boston University Boston University School of Law Class of 1913 photograph featuring six early women law graduates. Imperial sized photo measures 17" x 19". Photo shows ninety-two individual oval portraits arranged around a central block of five faculty members. Titled in manuscript: "Boston University School of Law 1913." Photographer's mark in lower right corner: J.A. Gammons. The women are featured in the lower central portion of the image each in formal dress with hair pinned and expressions composed. Boston University was among the most progressive American institutions with respect to coeducation and racial inclusion in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The BU School of Law had accepted women from its founding and notably graduated Lelia J. Robinson in 1881 the first woman to graduate from a Massachusetts law school and the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts bar. By 1913 although women still made up a small minority in most law schools nationwide Boston University continued to lead in gender inclusion. The visibility of these early women graduates stands as a testament to their individual perseverance and to the relatively inclusive mission of BU Law at a time when most legal institutions either barred or heavily discouraged women. Mounted on heavy brown cardstock with minor rubbing to the extremities and a small chip to the lower right mount corner. Toning to image consistent with age but still bright and sharp. Overall very good condition. A powerful visual artifact of women's advancement in higher education and the legal profession. unknown