Blackwell Family Papers, courtesy of Library of Congress
"None of us know what we are capable of until we are tested.
~ Elizabeth Blackwell
Thesis:
Due to the gender barriers in society, it was very hard for women to get an education in the 1800's. Elizabeth Blackwell was inspired to go into the medical workforce after a close friend, who was uncomfortable seeing a male doctor, passed away from a treatable illness. In 1849, at a church in New York, Blackwell broke the gender barrier and became the first female to graduate from Geneva Medical School and complete her medical degree. Even though she was harassed by the males in her school she still managed to graduate top of her class and inspire other women to follow in her footsteps.