First Female Faculty at Harvard - Dr. Alice Hamilton

Portrait of Hamilton, seated
Anonymous portrait of Alice Hamilton, 1933. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University.

Anonymous portrait of Alice Hamilton, 1933. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University.

In 1919, Dr. Alice Hamilton was appointed Assistant Professor of Industrial Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. When Industrial Medicine became part of the new Harvard School of Public Health, her appointment continued there. 

Hamilton's appointment came with three limitations:

  • She was not allowed into the Faculty Club
  • She was not to participate in academic processions at Commencement
  • She was not eligible for faculty tickets to the football games

In 1995, the US Postal Service dedicated a 55-cent postage stamp in honor of Dr. Hamilton.

For more information, see "Harvard's First Lady", a HSPH Centennial Moment from the 2013-2014 Centennial celebration, or read Hamilton's autobiography, Exploring the Dangerous Trades.

New York Times article on Dr. Hamilton