by Henry M. Pierce
About this book
Address to the First Graduating Class of Rutgers Female College by Henry M. Pierce is a powerful 1867 commencement address that captures a pivotal moment in the history of women's higher education. Delivered at Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church on June 2, 1867, Pierce—then president of the college—reflects on the institute’s founding in 1839, its evolution into a college, and the broader cultural shift toward expanding women’s roles and responsibilities.
This historical speech examines the proper aims of female education, the question of equality between men and women, and the practical measures—libraries, curricula, and dedicated teachers—that shaped the institution’s growth. Pierce balances moral conviction with intellectual argument, offering contemporary perspectives on duty, preparation, and societal expectations without shying from controversial opinions of his day. Listeners will encounter 19th-century rhetoric, thoughtful critiques of educational practice, and a window into the debates that helped define women’s access to learning.
Ideal for students of history, women’s studies, education, and anyone intrigued by early arguments for expanded opportunities, this nonfiction commencement address provides primary-source insight into post‑Civil War attitudes and the evolving landscape of American higher education.
