Sylvia M. Donaldson

Sylvia M. Donaldson (July 12, 1849 - June 15, 1937) was one of the first women elected to the Massachusetts House of Representative.[1] She was elected in 1924 at the age of seventy-three and served until 1930.[2] Donaldson, a Republican, represented the tenth district (Plymouth/Brockton).[3]

Life and career

Donaldson was born in Falmouth, Massachusetts on July 12, 1849. She studied to be a teacher at Boston University.[4] She taught at Brockton School District from 1873-1919 where she was principal and served on the school board.[4]

In 1923, the first women, Donaldson and Susan Fitzgerald, were elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature. Donaldson served as honorary Speaker of the House on February 18, 1926. In addition to her work as a teacher and legislator, Donaldson was active in the Audubon Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Education Association, League of Women Voters, and the Women's Civic Federation.

Stonehill College has created The Sylvia Donaldson Society for Women in Politics for female students at Stonehill College.

References

  1. ↑ Falmouth Historical Society (2013). Legendary locals of Falmouth, Massachusetts. p. 71. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "Women Wielding Power: Pioneer Female Legislators". National Women's History Museum. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  3. ↑ Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. "History of women in the Massachusetts legislature, 1923-present: (as of August 2012)". State Library of Massachusetts Repository. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  4. 1 2 "The Sylvia Donaldson Society for Women in Politics". Stonehill College. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
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