Mary Ellen Britton was an American physician, educator, suffragist, journalist and civil rights activist from Lexington, Kentucky. Britton was an original member of the Kentucky Negro Education Association, which formed in 1877. She was president of the Lexington Woman's Improvement Club and served as a charter member of the Ladies Orphan Society which founded the Colored Orphan Industrial Home in Lexington, in 1892.
During her lifetime, Mary accomplished many things despite the obstacles she faced. After teaching black children in Lexington public schools, she worked as a doctor from her home in Lexington. She specialized in hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and massage. She was officially granted her license to practice medicine in Lexington, Kentucky in 1902, making her the first woman doctor to be licensed in Lexington.
Civics Superheroes
Join the Kentucky Historical Society for a short verticle video series examining Kentucky citizenship in the past and present. Learn about four Kentuckians who demonstrated patriotism and sacrifice, then gain new resources to activate the freedoms of your American citizenship. Watch the trailer!
* June 6, D-Day - Kenneth Maddox (DEFENDER)
* June 12, Women's Veteran's Day and Flag Day - Pauline Cushman (AMPLIFIER)
* June 19, Juneteenth - Harry Mordecai (CONNECTOR)
* July 4th, Independence Day - Mary Britton (NURTURER)
Civics Season
What's your Civic Superpower? Take the quiz: Your Civic Superpowers - Civic Season
www.thecivicseason.com/quiz/
Learn more about Civics Season, a flagship program from Made By Us, a network of hundreds of museums, historic sites, libraries, and archives unleashing access to history for younger generations who have the most at stake.
www.thecivicseason.com/
historymadebyus.org/
Confirm your power to vote in Kentucky:
Voter Registration in Kentucky | Vote.gov
vote.gov/register/ky/
Learn more about the work of the Kentucky Historical Society:
history.ky.gov/