Richmond, Sarah Elizabeth, 1843 - 1921
Biography
Born in Baltimore, Sarah Elizabeth Richmond was a natural born teacher. The second person to enroll at the Maryland State Normal School in its opening year, Richmond was in the first graduating class. Richmond's 55 years of consecutive service to the Normal School began in 1866, when M.A. Newell asked her to return to MSNS to teach mathematics. Within a few years, Richmond was made Vice Principal of the Normal School, and by 1909, at age 66, she became the School's first female principal. As MSNS’ leader, Richmond made moving the location of the school from the city to a larger campus in Baltimore County her major priority. In 1912, after actively campaigning by Richmond as both MSNS’ Principal and an alumna of the school, the State agreed to purchase property and build a new campus. In 1915, three former county farms were transformed into the Maryland State Normal School at Towson with the construction of three buildings: the Administration Building, Newell Hall, and the Power Plant. Richmond remained principal until 1917 when she resigned to become Dean of the school. Her death in 1921 ended the life of one of the great pioneers in Maryland public education.
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
Bound volume of correspondence from Elijah B. Prettyman (bulk), George W. Ward, and Sarah E. Richmond, 1900-1910
Contains correspondence from Elijah Barrett Prettyman, George Washington Ward, and Sarah Elizabeth Richmond
Sarah Elizabeth Richmond records
Sarah Elizabeth Richmond was the first female President of the Maryland State Teachers’ Association, and the first female Principal of the Maryland State Normal School. These records which date from 1860 to 1937 are composed of Sarah Richmond’s personal items, biographies, reports, speeches, correspondence, and memorials.