Patapsco Female Institute

school, Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland, United States

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July 1, 2026

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The Patapsco Female Institute was an educational institution located in Ellicott's Mills, Maryland. Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps became its principal in 1841, and under her leadership, the institute developed high academic standards. Phelps emphasized a curriculum rich in sciences, mathematics, and natural history, with a particular focus on training qualified teachers. While social graces were not ignored, they were considered secondary to academic rigor. Phelps's tenure at the institute lasted 15 years, during which she significantly contributed to advancing educational opportunities for women.1

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Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps
…husband business manager of the Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland. In her 15 years at that school, Phelps created an institution of high academic standards, with a curriculum rich in the sciences, mathematics, and natural history and designed in particular to train highly qualified teachers. The polite attainments…
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…husband business manager of the Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland. In her 15 years at that school, Phelps created an institution of high academic standards, with a curriculum rich in the sciences, mathematics, and natural history and designed in particular to train highly qualified teachers. The polite attainments…
Read More