Mathematics at Goucher, 1888-1979

Abstract

The mathematics department, though varying in size and curriculum and sometimes including astronomy, has been an integral part of Goucher College since its founding in 1888 as the Woman's College of Baltimore, under the auspices of the Methodist Church. In writing this brief history of the mathematics department, we wish to share some of the information about the people and events that have shaped the mathematical education provided for women at Goucher over the past ninety-one years. As it would be impossible to tell about everyone who has been involved with the department during this time, both for lack of space and incomplete information, we have, therefore, tried to choose a few who are representative. The history of mathematics at Goucher falls naturally into four periods. For each period we shall describe the faculty, students, and curriculum.