Lucile Atcherson Curtis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucile Atcherson Curtis
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Lucile Atcherson Curtis, 1922
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| Born |
Lucile Atcherson
October 11, 1894 Columbus, Ohio
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| Died | March 6, 1986 (aged 98) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Columbus School for Girls Smith College Ohio State University University of Chicago |
| Occupation | Diplomatic Service Officer |
| Spouse(s) |
George Morris Curtis
(m. 1928; died 1965) |
Lucile Atcherson Curtis (1894-1986) was a truly special person in American history. She was the very first woman to become a diplomat for the United States. This means she was the first woman to officially represent the U.S. government in other countries. She started her important work in 1923, even before the official U.S. Foreign Service was created in 1924.
Contents
Her Life Story
Early Life and Education
Lucile Atcherson was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 11, 1894. She was a very bright student! She finished her studies at the Columbus School for Girls when she was just 14 years old. Later, she went to Smith College and graduated in 1913. She also continued her learning at Ohio State University and the University of Chicago.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Lucile strongly believed that women should have the right to vote. This movement was called women's suffrage. In 1912, she joined a huge march in Columbus, Ohio, with five thousand other women. They were all supporting a change to the U.S. Constitution that would give women the right to vote. Lucile was also the first woman from Columbus to join the National Woman's Party. She even helped organize the Ohio Suffrage Association.
Helping France After the War
In 1917, Lucile volunteered to help people overseas. She worked with a group called the American Fund for the French Wounded. In 1918, she moved to a new part of the group called the American Committee for Devastated France. This committee worked to rebuild villages and provide medical help in France after World War I. Lucile eventually became the director of personnel for the committee in Paris. For her amazing work, she received the Medaille de la Reconnaissance Francaise in December 1919. This was a special award from France.
Becoming the First Female Diplomat
In 1920, Lucile made history again. She became the first woman to apply to join what would become the U.S. Foreign Service. She passed the difficult test! In 1922, President Warren G. Harding nominated her to be the first woman in this role. However, the Senate did not approve her appointment at first. Some senators thought it was not proper for a young, single woman to travel overseas as a diplomat.
Lucile didn't give up! She worked in the Department of State, mostly dealing with Latin American affairs. Many women's groups and political groups supported her. They sent letters and telegrams to the Senate. Because of this strong support, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations finally recommended her appointment. In 1923, the Senate approved it! Lucile officially became a U.S. diplomat based in Bern, Switzerland. Her title was "third secretary of the legation."
Life as a Diplomat
After serving in Switzerland, Lucile was sent to the U.S. Legation in Panama in 1927. She noticed that men were being promoted ahead of her, even though she had done excellent work. She wrote a letter asking about her promotion. Soon after, a board that reviewed personnel said that her gender was a "handicap" to making useful official friendships.
Lucile resigned later that year. It wasn't because she wasn't promoted, but because she didn't like living in Panama. Also, she was in a serious relationship with George Morris Curtis, who would become her husband.
In 1978, the U.S. State Department held a special day to honor Lucile and another diplomat, Clifton Reginald Wharton Sr.. Her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, also celebrated a day in her honor that same year.
Personal Life
On January 6, 1928, Lucile married George Morris Curtis. They had two children together: Charlotte Curtis and Mary Curtis Davey. Lucile Atcherson Curtis passed away on March 6, 1986.
Her Lasting Impact
Lucile's important papers are kept at the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America. This is a special research library at Harvard University. Her legacy continues to inspire women and men in diplomacy today.
