Born: 24 January 1857, United States
Died: 23 February 1925
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Kate Harwood Waller
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Kate Waller Barrett was a prominent Virginia physician, humanitarian, and social reformer, founding the National Florence Crittenton Mission in 1895 with Charles Nelson Crittenton. It focused on helping marginalized women, prisoners, and those with limited educational opportunities.
Despite coming from a slave-owning family, Barrett’s dedication to addressing inequalities led her to become a physician. She secured the first federal charter for the National Florence Crittenton Mission, overseeing over 70 homes across the United States, with a focus on unmarried mothers and a gradual shift away from prostitution.
Barrett also addressed racial issues within her work by establishing a “colored mission” and supporting African American women’s engagement in rescue and maternity home work. She contributed to the creation of Florence Crittenton maternity hospitals, prioritizing women’s well-being.
Additionally, Barrett was a political activist, advocating for women’s rights, suffrage, and social reform. She served as a delegate for various causes and was involved in preserving historic buildings and sites in her local community.