Hortense May Orcutt
American educator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hortense May Orcutt (October 2, 1874 – January 21, 1936) was an American educator and businessperson. She was the superintendent of the Kate Baldwin Free Kindergarten for twenty-five years.[1] During her time in the role, the business grew into a popular system of kindergartens and a training school (known as the Normal Department) for kindergarten teachers,[2] with as many as five kindergartens in operation at one time.[3] The network educated approximately four thousand children between 1899 and 1943.
Hortense May Orcutt | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 2, 1874 Conway, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | January 21, 1936 (aged 61) Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
Resting place | Center Cemetery, Whately, Massachusetts |
| Occupation | Educator |
She was regarded as one of the most prominent women of Savannah, Georgia, between her arrival in 1907 and her death in 1936.[4]
Life and career
Orcutt was born in 1874, in Conway, Massachusetts, to William Baker Orcutt and Mary Ella Kingsley. Her mother died when Orcutt was nineteen years old; her father followed four years later.
She trained for kindergarten work at New York City's Ethical Culture School, and after graduating, taught in the school's psychology department.[4]
After moving to Savannah, Georgia, in 1907, she became a member of the Girl Scout Board of Councilors and the city's chapter of the League of Women Voters.[5]
Death
Orcutt died in 1936,[1] aged 61. Her funeral was held at Christ Church in Savannah. She was interred alongside her parents in Center Cemetery in Whately, Massachusetts.[4]
Upon her death, the training school was discontinued, but the Baldwin family continued the East Side Kindergarten, and nine other kindergartens continued under the auspices of the public schools, a church and other organizations.[6]