Jane Addams

People said she was brilliant. One of a kind in her generation. Her views were always sought after, and her knowledge was always desired.

Jane Addams was born on September 6th, 1860, in the quaint town of Cedarville, an abolitionist part of Illinois. She was the eighth of nine children for John Huy Addams and Sarah Weber Addams.

Jane’s early years began with much sorrow. When she was just two years old, her mother passed away. The years that followed were full of care from her father. He would have a significant impact on her life. John, a prosperous mill owner who fervently supported Abraham Lincoln and himself, participated in politics, would instill in Jane a sense of social responsibility and civic duty while nurturing her intelligence and compassion.

As a teenager, Jane attended Rockford Female Seminary, an institution that prided itself on the rigorous education of young women. There, she excelled academically, honing her writing and critical thinking skills. And despite experiencing much pain from an ongoing spinal problem, she graduated at the top of her class in 1881.

From Rockford, Jane continued her education at the Women’s Medical College of Philadelphia. However, health issues forced her to abandon her medical studies. This setback, while challenging, was a pivotal moment in Jane’s life. She took time off and embarked on a two-year European tour with her stepmother. And it was on this trip that Jane would find her calling.

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In Europe, while wandering the streets of London, Jane stumbled upon Toynbee Hall, a settlement house. The home offered solace, education, and social services to the city’s impoverished. Experiencing the home and services had a profound impact on Jane. She was inspired to establish a similar institution in the U.S. And upon returning to the U.S., Jane became resolute in creating a similar haven in Chicago.

With the help of a friend, a dilapidated mansion became a settlement home. In 1889, Hull House opened its doors to the community.

Hull House began as a place where women could learn to read, write, and sew. But as word spread, Hull House became much more. Jane and her staff expanded their offerings, providing child care, English classes, and job training to those in need. The once rundown mansion transformed into a vibrant center of learning and hope.

As Hull House flourished, so did Jane’s influence as a social reformer. She became a prominent figure in the fight for labor rights, advocating for child labor laws, safer working conditions, and fair wages. Jane’s tireless efforts also led to her appointment to Chicago’s Board of Education and later serving as a member of the Illinois State Commission on the Improvement of Labor Conditions.

Jane’s involvement in social reform extended to the global stage. During World War I, she became a prominent pacifist and co-founded the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). As the first president of the WILPF, Jane advocated for disarmament, international cooperation, and women’s participation in peace-building efforts. Her unwavering commitment to peace earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, making her the first American woman to receive the honor.

Despite her many accomplishments, Jane faced significant opposition throughout her career. Her pacifism during World War I led to accusations of being unpatriotic and her advocacy for social justice was criticized by those who believed she undermined traditional values. Nevertheless, she remained dedicated to her mission and continued her work undeterred, devoted to her mission of creating a more just and equitable world.

In May 1935, at the age of 74, Jane Addams passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. And the Hull House, now a museum and national historic landmark, is a testament to her enduring legacy.

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Sources: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; partial gift of Mrs. Nancy Pierce York and Mrs. Grace Pierce Forbes, NPG.78.48