On March 20, 6:30 PM, the Hoboken Public Library will be having a special Women's History Month celebration of the life and contributions of Martha Bayard Stevens, New Jersey Philanthropist and Social Reformer. Library Director, Ourida Oubraham and Assistant Curator Doris Oliver will be attending the event. The Samuel C. Williams Library also provided some archival material for the event.
Who was Martha Bayard Stevens?
From the main Stevens webpage: "Martha Bayard Stevens, the second wife of the University’s founder, Edwin Stevens, was influential in building Stevens into the renowned national research university that it is today. When Edwin provided for the establishment of Stevens in his will, it was Martha – one of three executors of his estate – who insisted that the University be geared toward science and engineering.
"Martha also made significant contributions to the community before her husband’s death. She provided funding for the establishment of the Hoboken library and organized and endowed the Industrial Education Association, which taught young women in Hoboken life skills like home economics and savings. Martha also founded the Martha Institute for training boys in industrial skills and was instrumental in the founding of Church Square Park, Hudson Square Park and Elysian Park."
You can RSVP for the event on Eventbrite, or via email: hobkref@bccls.org or phone 201-420-2347.
