The pioneers of the early western frontier are often depicted as burly men with beards and axes, chopping down trees and hunting buffalo to survive in the untamed wilderness. But beside the Davy Crockett frontiersmen stood the no less brave but little recognized frontierswomen. Mary Easton Sibley was one of those women. Founder of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., Sibley was a pioneer of frontier, and women’s education.
To celebrate Sibley’s contributions and accomplishments, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced a program in which Kristie Wolferman will discuss her new book, The Indomitable Mary Easton Sibley: Pioneer of Women’s Education in Missouri. The program will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Missouri State Archives.
“Wolferman’s book is the first to fully draw on Mary and George Sibley’s journals and letters, which shed light on Sibley’s views regarding women’s social and political roles, slavery, temperance, religion and other topics,” according to a news release from the office of the Secretary of State.
Sibley was a key figure in paving the way for women’s education nationwide.
The Missouri State Archives is at 600 W. Main Street in Jefferson City. The program is provided free of charge.
