Summary
This project establishes an archive of life histories of MIT women graduates. These oral histories form part of the permanent archival colleciton at MIT. They are a resource for those doing research on the history of women in the fields of science, engineering, technology and architecture, as well as for those doing reasearch on women in higher education in general or the evolution of the participation of women at MIT in particular. Interviews are completed by MIT undergraduate students. The project is made possible by endowement funds provided by MIT alumnae and is directed by Professor Margery Resnick.
Details
This oral history project documents the life histories of women graduates of MIT. As they are collected, recorded and transcribed, the unique stories of these women's lives are deposited in MIT's permanent archive. Many alumnae also include letters, books and articles along with the oral history to present a fuller sense of their lives and work. The availability of this archive makes possible a new understanding of the history of women's participation in the fields of science, engineering, technology and architecture. It also enriches our knowledge of the evolution of MIT as an educational institution and of women's participation in higher education in general. Thus, the archive has already been used by those completing research on women in the fields which have been pursued by MIT's graduates, as well as by researchers in the field of education who are seeking to better understand the experience of women in university life. As the archive continues to grow, its importance as a resource for research will increase. The history of women at MIT is a major part of the history of women in science and engineering in the United States.
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AMITA/Margaret MacVicar (1964) Memorial Oral History Project
- Margery Resnick,
- Project Director
In addition to the information provided to researchers, this UROP project gives undergraduate students an incredibly rich opportunity to learn about women of another generaiton. Under the direction of Prof. Resnick, each student researches the background of the alumna, contacts her by phone, learns how to complete an oral history interview, meets and interviews the alumna and then transcribes, edits and negotiates its final deposit in the archives. Without exception, the undergraduates have found this experience one of the most energizing and exceptional in their undergraduate years: "I consider myself lucky to have met these determined women and gotten the chance to talk about their life histories... Though they may not know it, they have inspired me to always strive for my dreams and to never give in if others try to discourage me. They have taught me that after leaving MIT, one can go forth and reach whatever goals one aspires to accomplish." (Eleni Digenis, '94)
Special recognition and thanks go to the MIT Alumnae who, under the leadership of Bonnie Kellermann '72, have established an endowment fund to cover project expenses and some UROP costs. The generosity of the women graduates in terms of financial support for this enterprise has made it possible to begin to realize the long-term goal of establishing a national resource on women's education in non-traditional fields. Thanks also must go to the alumnae who have been interviewed (including all members of the class of '22) who have worked with our undergraduates and with Prof. Resnick to make this project one which will enhance the permanent collection in the MIT archives.
Direct all inquires to
Margery Resnick
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