Rare Books, Magazines by Pioneering Female Editor Donated to UMD Libraries

UMD Libraries’ Special Collections and University Archives has received a gift of rare books and ephemera relating to American writer, editor and advocate for women Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879), best known for authoring the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” 

This gift was made by alumnus Steven Canter ’67 in honor of his mother, Jeanette (Kirsch) Canter Traum.

Hale was the first female editor of two popular 19^th-century American publications, The Ladies' Magazine and Godey's Lady's Book, one of the most widely circulated and successful women’s magazines in America. She was an advocate for women's education and economic independence, and in 1846, she petitioned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” first appeared in her 1830 book “Poems for Our Children.”

The collection consists of works about Hale and works she authored and edited, including over 70 volumes of Godey's Lady's Book, and will be incorporated into the Literature and Rare Books collection in Hornbake Library. 

This collection will support research related to Hale, 19^th-century American publication history, women in 19^th-century America and much more. Once cataloged, these materials will be available to students, researchers, faculty and visitors in the Maryland Room.