2008 Celebration! - Franklin's Legacy: Celebrating Women in Science

Honorees Dr. Ruth Patrick and
Dr. Virginia M.-Y. Lee and
Dr. Franklin

"Remember the Ladies," wrote Abigail Adams to her husband, John, an admonition Dr. Franklin seldom if ever needed. He corresponded frequently with women whose ideas he valued and whose work he encouraged.

Thirty-five years ago Title IX was introduced providing equal opportunities for women not only in athletics but also in math and science. Its impact has been tremendous in all of these fields, yet women have been interested in science for centuries and making significant impacts.

Franklin corresponded with and encouraged several during his lifetime including Polly Stevens, daughter of his English landlady, sending her books at a young age and urging her "to read with a Pen in your Hand, and enter in a little Book short Hints of what you find that is curious or that may be useful; for this will be the best method of imprinting such Particulars in your Memory."

This year's Celebration of Benjamin Franklin, Founder was delighted to present two distinguished scientists with the prestigious Franklin Founder Bowl. Dr. Ruth Patrick, the world's leading limnologist, who discovered the causes of pollutants in our water and ways to eliminate them and Dr. Virginia Lee, an internationally recognized authority on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. They both exemplify the talent of taking "what you find that is curious" and translating it into something that more than certainly "may be useful."

Below are pictures from the Seminar, Procession, and Luncheon.