Peck, Annie S. (Annie Smith), 1850-1935

Annie Smith Peck (b. Oct. 19, 1850, Providence, RI–d. July 18, 1935, New York, NY) grew up in Providence, RI and graduated from Rhode Island Normal School (1872); Peck wanted to attend Brown University but was not allowed as a woman. She briefly taught Latin at Providence High School before moving to Saginaw, MI to teach. She enrolled at the University of Michigan and earned a bachelors degree (1878) and a master's degree (1881). In 1885, Peck became the first woman to attend the American School of Classical Studies (Athens, Greece). She taught at Purdue University and Smith College. In the mid-1880s, Peck took up the sport of mountaineering. Eventually, her hobby became her profession and she no longer taught but rather traveled the world as a mountain climber and lecturer. She was also and advocate for suffrage.