Mary Elizabeth Garrett (5 March 1854 – 3 April 1915) was an American suffragist and philanthropist known for her impactful contributions to education and women’s rights. The only daughter of John W. Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, she leveraged her wealth for progressive causes.
Garrett was a key figure in founding the Bryn Mawr School for Girls in Baltimore, dedicating over $500,000 to its construction. Passionate about education, she insisted on rigorous academic standards, aiming to provide women with opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her most notable legacy was her pivotal role in establishing the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 1893, she offered financial support on the condition that women be admitted on equal terms with men. Her firm stance on academic excellence set new standards in U.S. medical education, making Johns Hopkins the country’s first co-educational graduate-level medical school.
A dedicated suffragist, Garrett worked alongside prominent activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Anna Howard Shaw. She hosted the 1906 National American Woman Suffrage Association convention, advocating for women’s voting rights.
Garrett passed away from leukemia in 1915 at Bryn Mawr College. Her contributions left a lasting impact, advancing both women’s education and the suffrage movement.
