This staunch advocate for women's education co-founded Spelman College...
Harriet E. Giles
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A pioneer and advocate for women's education, Harriet E. Giles's bold dream of creating change and more educational opportunities for Black women culminated in her co-founding Spelman College and leading the institution as its second president.
Giles, a New Salem, Mass., native, received her early education at local district schools. She attended New Salem Academy where she met Spelman co-founder Sophia B. Packard who was serving as the preceptress of the academy. In 1856, Giles graduated from New Salem and began her teaching career at local schools in Massachusetts. After opening the Rollstone School with Packard in the spring of 1856, the pair ended that endeavor a few months later and accepted teaching positions at the Connecticut Literary Institution. In 1864, she joined the faculty of the Oread Collegiate Institute in Worcester, Mass., – one of the first institutions in the country to provide a college education for women. She taught ornamentals and music. After leaving her position at Oread, Giles worked as a music teacher providing private lessons and concerts in the Boston area. |
In 1877, Giles and Packard, along with a group of Baptist women organized the Woman's American Baptist Home Mission Society as an auxiliary to the American Baptist Home Mission Society. The group of 200 women united in support of women missionaries laboring in the field to bring education and Christianity to the Native American and African-American communities.
In 1880, Giles joined Packard on a trip commissioned by the Women's Society to assess the living conditions of Black people in the South. It was during that time that Giles and Packard discovered the overwhelming need for educational opportunities for Black women and girls. Their passion, leadership and commitment led to the launch of the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary – now known as Spelman College – on April 11, 1881.
Giles became Spelman's second president in 1891 after the death of her partner, Sophia Packard.
Source: Spellman College
In 1880, Giles joined Packard on a trip commissioned by the Women's Society to assess the living conditions of Black people in the South. It was during that time that Giles and Packard discovered the overwhelming need for educational opportunities for Black women and girls. Their passion, leadership and commitment led to the launch of the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary – now known as Spelman College – on April 11, 1881.
Giles became Spelman's second president in 1891 after the death of her partner, Sophia Packard.
Source: Spellman College
Black History Month Moment — Dr Pamela Gunter Smith presents Sophia B Packard and Harriet E Giles (White Rose Community TV)
How & Where to Connect
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The connection to Harriett Giles is Giles Hall at Spelman College, which she co-founded. Instructions on how to get there are provided below.
Spelman College is a global leader in the education of women of African descent. Spelman is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and are members of the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Spelman's student body comprises more than 2,100 students from 43 states and 10 foreign countries. In April of every year, Harriet Giles and her partner, Sophia Packard are honored during the Founders' Day celebration at Spelman College. |
Giles Hall at Spelman College. Photo: Jeff Clemons
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Getting there...Giles Hall is located on the Spelman College campus. See Building #23 on this Campus Map.
PLEASE NOTE: Spelman College is a private institution. As such, you must make arrangements to visit the campus by contacting the Welcome Center. Spelman College 350 Spelman Lane SW Atlanta, GA 30314 Driving Directions | Google Map |
Don't miss...While you're there, be sure to visit:
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