Who was Elizabeth Cabot Agassiz?

Elizabeth Cabot Agassiz (1822–1907) was an accomplished American naturalist and educator who served as the first president of Radcliffe College.1

In 1850, she married the Swiss naturalist Louis Agassiz. Her contributions were vital to his career; she managed his expeditions, such as the Thayer Expedition to Brazil, and compiled his lecture notes into published works. Together, they established the Anderson School of Natural History on Penikese Island.1

Beyond her work with her husband, Elizabeth was a pioneer in women's education. She operated a school for girls in her home and later championed the creation of a coordinate college for women at Harvard University. This effort led to the founding of the "Harvard Annex," which was later renamed Radcliffe College. She served as its president from its incorporation until 1899. Her own literary contributions include A First Lesson in Natural History and a biography of her husband, Louis Agassiz: His Life and Correspondence.1