As part of Missouri S&T’s celebration of Women’s History Month, the department of history and political science is proud to present a special lecture by Dr. Kathleen Sheppard. The talk, titled "How Women of Study Shape Early American Egyptology: The Pioneering Contributions of Emma Andrews and Caroline Ransom Williams," will take place on March 20 at 6:00 PM on the second floor of the Wilson Library. This event is free and open to the public. The event promises to shine a spotlight on two remarkable women whose work in the field of American Egyptology helped shape the study and presentation of ancient Egyptian history for generations to come.

In 1891, Amelia Edwards and Kate Bradbury completed a successful lecture tour of the United States, one that left an indelible mark on the American public. As the Brooklyn Daily Eagle noted, their visit was a powerful reminder of the potential for women in academia and science. The newspaper praised Edwards for demonstrating that women could be ‘learned’ and ‘winning,’ and suggested that her work would serve as a model for both American men and women. It was clear that women in the arts, archaeology, and history had an important role to play in intellectual spaces traditionally dominated by men.

The impact of Edwards and Bradbury’s tour resonated deeply with two American women who would go on to make lasting contributions to the field of Egyptology: Emma Andrews and Caroline Ransom Williams. Inspired by the path paved by Edwards and Bradbury, both women played pivotal roles in curating and managing collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which would become part of the exhibits seen by tens of millions of museum visitors over the last 125 years.

Dr. Sheppard’s lecture will explore the lives of these two women and how their groundbreaking work not only advanced the study of ancient Egypt but also helped reshape the landscape of American museums and public education. Their contributions laid the foundation for the rich cultural heritage we continue to appreciate in museums today, illustrating the enduring power and influence of women in the academic and scientific communities.

Join us on March 20 as Dr. Kathleen Sheppard delves into this fascinating history and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in the field of American Egyptology. This event promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring look at how the legacy of these pioneering women continues to impact the world of museums and academia.