Alexandra Smirnoff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexandra Smirnoff
Born	1838  Vaasa
Died	1913  (aged 74–75) Helsinki

Alexandra Smirnoff (born May 6, 1838 – died September 25, 1913) was a scientist, a fruit expert (called a pomologist), and a writer from Finland. Her studies on fruits were very important for growing fruits in Finland and Sweden during her time.

Early Life and Fruit Studies

Alexandra Smirnoff was born in Vaasa, Finland. She became the first female fruit expert in the Nordic countries. She spent her time studying many different kinds of fruits and how to grow them.

In 1873, she began studying fruits for about three years in Sweden. She learned from a famous fruit expert named Olof Eneroth. Olof Eneroth was writing a book about fruits. He asked Alexandra to help classify Russian fruits because she spoke Russian.

Alexandra did a lot of research. Based on her work, she helped create and publish a new version of the Swedish Handbook of Pomology. Her work helped not only to classify fruits but also to bring many new fruits from Russia to Finland. This important book was called Suomen pomologiian käsikirja. It was published in 1894 in both Swedish and Finnish.

Her Life Story

Alexandra Smirnoff's parents were Michael Smirnoff and Klara Johanna Lindeqvist. When she was young, her family lived comfortably. However, in 1852, their home caught fire.

Her mother passed away after the fire, and her father became ill. Since her father could no longer take care of the family, Alexandra was placed in foster care. She was later adopted by Countess Helena Stewen-Steinheil, who was a botanist (a plant scientist).

The Countess encouraged Alexandra and wanted her work to be recognized. After the Countess passed away, Alexandra began traveling.

Her very first published study came out in 1882. In this study, she compared 40 different types of strawberry plants. Because of her important work, she became very famous in her home country.

Alexandra believed that public education and women's work were very important. She did not receive a proper education like her brothers until she met Dr. Olof Eneroth.

Awards and Recognition

Alexandra Smirnoff received several awards for her important work:

• She was given the Russian Domain Ministry's silver medal. This was for her work on the Handbook of Finnish Pomology.
• In 1910, she won the state author's prize for her book called Care of the Flower Garden.
• The government also gave her a yearly payment starting in 1907. This was to show their appreciation for all her hard work.

See also

In Spanish: Alexandra Smirnoff para niños