Mary Mitchell Birchall

Biography

Mary Mitchell Birchall, born in 1846 in Maine, overcame the limits of her era to pursue study at Maine State College (now the University of Maine) and, in 1872, became the first woman to earn its degree, returning home with a resolve to share her energy with young learners.

She spent decades teaching at girls' schools and serving as principal in Portland and other towns, shaping classrooms and civic clubs that championed women's education; her calm counsel and tireless service left a lasting impression before she was laid to rest in McAllister Cemetery.