About This Location

Organized in 1850, the first campus of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania stood here. Among its early alumni were Dr. Ann Preston (1813-1872), who later became a professor and the College’s first woman dean. Quaker born and bred, Preston worked against slavery, advocated for temperance, even wrote a children’s hymnal. Her life cause, however, was women’s health, and she pioneered professional medical opportunities for women in a field dominated by men. Many of Preston’s students were inspired to work in medical missions, especially in India and China. In 1861, she founded the Women’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Optional SuperheadStories Related to This Location

All Stories

Ready to Explore? Get the App.

Discover Philadelphia’s hidden history and how faith has guided liberty toward justice with our curated ecosystem of trails that explore the city’s must-see sites!

  • Download on the App Store
  • Get it on Google Play