Zilpah P. Grant Banister
Encyclopedia
Zilpah Polly Grant Banister (May 30, 1794 – December 3, 1874) was an American
educator known primarily for founding Ipswich Female Seminary
in Ipswich, Massachusetts
in 1828.
Zilpah Grant began teaching at the age of fifteen. Eventually she saved up enough money to enter Byfield Academy and study under the charismatic clergyman Joseph Emerson, a leading proponent of women's education. At Byfield, she befriended Mary Lyon, who later taught with Grant for several years.
From 1824 to 1827 (or 1828), Grant served as principal of Adams Female Academy at Derry, New Hampshire
. She then founded Ipswich Female Academy. Grant's curricula at Adams and Ipswich reflected Emerson's influence; they blended rigorous academic studies, moral oversight, and teacher training. Grant expected students to study for the joy of learning, rather than working for grades or prizes. Mary Lyon
was Grant's assistant and, later, principal at Ipswich until she left to found Mount Holyoke Seminary
in 1834. http://www.mtholyoke.edu/marylyon/noframes/founding.html
On September 7, 1841, Grant married William B. Banister and moved with him to Newburyport, Massachusetts
. She continued to be active to promote women's education, and published a pamphlet entitled Hints on Education in 1856.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
educator known primarily for founding Ipswich Female Seminary
Ipswich Female Seminary
Ipswich Female Seminary in Ipswich, Massachusetts was founded in 1828 by Zilpah P. Grant Banister, making it one of the first major educational institutions for women in the United States. According to the United States Department of Education:...
in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Ipswich is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 12,987 at the 2000 census. Home to Willowdale State Forest and Sandy Point State Reservation, Ipswich includes the southern part of Plum Island...
in 1828.
Zilpah Grant began teaching at the age of fifteen. Eventually she saved up enough money to enter Byfield Academy and study under the charismatic clergyman Joseph Emerson, a leading proponent of women's education. At Byfield, she befriended Mary Lyon, who later taught with Grant for several years.
From 1824 to 1827 (or 1828), Grant served as principal of Adams Female Academy at Derry, New Hampshire
Derry, New Hampshire
-Climate:-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 33,109 people, 12,537 households, and 8,767 families residing in the town. The population density was 924.8 people per square mile . There were 13,277 housing units at an average density of 143.2/km²...
. She then founded Ipswich Female Academy. Grant's curricula at Adams and Ipswich reflected Emerson's influence; they blended rigorous academic studies, moral oversight, and teacher training. Grant expected students to study for the joy of learning, rather than working for grades or prizes. Mary Lyon
Mary Lyon
Mary Mason Lyon , surname pronounced , was a pioneer in women's education. She established the Wheaton Female Seminary in Norton, Massachusetts, . Within two years, she raised $15,000 to build the Mount Holyoke School...
was Grant's assistant and, later, principal at Ipswich until she left to found Mount Holyoke Seminary
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College is a liberal arts college for women in South Hadley, Massachusetts. It was the first member of the Seven Sisters colleges, and served as a model for some of the others...
in 1834. http://www.mtholyoke.edu/marylyon/noframes/founding.html
On September 7, 1841, Grant married William B. Banister and moved with him to Newburyport, Massachusetts
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Newburyport is a small coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, 35 miles northeast of Boston. The population was 21,189 at the 2000 census. A historic seaport with a vibrant tourism industry, Newburyport includes part of Plum Island...
. She continued to be active to promote women's education, and published a pamphlet entitled Hints on Education in 1856.