AMITA Timeline

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"I hope in a quiet way, I am winning a way which others will keep open.” - Ellen Swallow Richards in a letter, dated February 11, 1871

 The AMITA family of interactive timelines celebrate MIT Alumnae and the MIT Women Faculty and Staff who have served as role models, mentors and advocates for MIT women students.  The AMITA timelines also chronicle key events and milestones that have shaped MIT Alumnae and Women History. 

We are thankful to the Women of MIT - students, alumnae, faculty and staff - who have kept the way open.

Questions? Suggestions? Contact the AMITA Archivist

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AMITA Special Edition Timelines

From time to time we may find areas that we would like to explore in more depth. Other times, some events speak louder when they are viewed together.  These are our "Daughter" timelines.  

Spring 1970: Civil Unrest

Due to increasing tensions surrounding the Vietnam War, campuses across the country, including MIT, are shutdown. Learn more with this special 1970 AMITA120 Extra Edition. Image: Student Protests April 1970, Courtesy of MIT Museum 

Student Demonstrations 1970

Spring 2020: COVID19 Pandemic

In addition to health and economic impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented closing of schools, colleges and universities around the world. Campuses were evacuated and classes moved online. Explore our Special Edition COVID-19 2020 Timeline.

 

MIT in the Spring 

It was hard to find images of 1970 with Alumnae and/or women.  Do you have a picture you wish to share? Please contact the AMITA Archivist.

First Women: MIT Senior Leadership

AMITA celebrates the achievements of women at MIT. Beginning with MIT's First Alumna & First Woman Instructor, Ellen Swallow Richards ...

Ellen Swallow Richards, ca 1870s 

This Timeline, with few exceptions, focuses on non-faculty leadership roles.  As we discover more information, we will update this timeline. Image of Ellen Swallow Richards, Courtesy of the MIT Museum.

We are working on a similar timeline for First Women: MIT Faculty. Stay Tuned! 

Mapping the Cheney Room

Named for Margaret Swan Cheney 1882, the Cheney Reading Room opened in the newly built Walker Building on Boylston Street in 1884. As the Institute expanded, the Cheney Room moved to new locations with and within MIT. From the start, the Cheney Room has served as a haven and gathering place for MIT's women students and continues to evolve to meet the needs of women students.

Lounge, floral carpet, Victorian tables & chairs

Do you have pictures of the Cheney Room from the 1960s or later you would like to share? Please contact the AMITA Archivist. Image of the first Cheney Room circa 1884, Courtesy of the MIT Museum.

2021: AMITA Archives Committee Recognized with Great Dome Award

Chaired by Coleen Smith ’87, the award is “given in recognition of the group’s collaborative efforts and achievements in excellence to develop a timeline of MIT alumnae and women’s progress in honor of the 120th anniversary of the founding of AMITA and the centennial of the 19th amendment, US women’s suffrage.”

Source: Award Letter, 2021 ALC Award Winners