Ellen Swallow Richards: Pioneer of home economics

There are so many things we take for granted: everyday conveniences, fresh food, medical care, sanitation. Do you ever take the time to think about the people who looked at the world and thought, “This could be better, safer, cleaner, et cetera?"

I’ve been a part of the world of family and consumer sciences for over 25 years, and a name that keeps popping up is Ellen Swallow Richards.

Richards is often referred to as the founder of home economics in the United States. My degrees are both in nutrition, so it was time to dive in and learn more about Ms. Richards and a bit of history.

Ellen Swallow Richards (1842-1911) was born in Massachusetts. Ellen graduated from Vassar with a degree in chemistry in 1870. She chose chemistry as a science with practical applications to daily life. She was then accepted as a “special student” at MIT: the first woman, although not an “official” student. In 1873 Ellen officially graduated from MIT with a second undergraduate degree. While at MIT, she conducted research on water quality and became well known for water quality analysis. She married MIT instructor Robert H. Richards in 1875.

Ellen was passionate about the connection between science, sanitation and the daily work of housewives. She understood cooking and cleaning are simply practical applications of chemistry. In 1884 she became an instructor at MIT’s Sanitary Chemistry Lab. She developed the first standards for testing fresh water.

In 1885 Boston Public Schools asked her to plan balanced, healthy meals for all students: the beginnings of a school lunch program. Her motto was, “You are what you eat.” Richards founded the American Association of Home Economics in 1909 and was elected president. She was awarded an honorary Ph.D. from Smith College in 1910.

Check out this timeline:

—1873: Kansas State begins domestic economy curriculum.

—1882: Ellen Richards publishes “The Chemistry for Cooking and Cleaning: A Manual for Housekeepers.”

—1885: Domestic science courses introduced in the Boston public school system.

—1893: At the Chicago World’s Fair, Richards designed the tiny Rumford Kitchen, which served nutritious meals and nutrition education to thousands of fair attendees. She turned down being part of the Women’s Building, believing science is for everyone.

—1899: The field is named home economics.

—1927: USDA Bureau of Home Economics is established.

—1931: Home economists become accepted by the public as experts in human nutrition.

—1976: Home economists begin to increase emphasis on reaching males as well as females.

—1994: The name of the field is changed to family and consumer sciences.

Did you pick up on that last bit? The name change. Home economics has never gone away. It’s still here, just called something else. I still find myself explaining family and consumer sciences as “everything you think of as home-ec.” In this case the name seems to matter. “Home” connects with everyone.

No matter what you call it, the need exists: nutrition and health, how to cook, managing finances, home maintenance and management including cleaning, clothing and textiles, child development and more.

For an interesting read, check out "The Secret History of Home Economics" by Danielle Dreilinger (2021). The book starts with Ellen Swallow Richards and moves to present day. There have been so many amazing women (and men) who shaped our story. An interesting read for history buffs as well as home economics enthusiasts.

By the way, has the water coming out of your faucet been tested? Thank you, Ellen Swallow Richards.

For more information about upcoming programs in family and consumer sciences, join the Coshocton, Holmes, Wayne Family and Consumer Sciences Newsletter at holmes.osu.edu/program-areas/family-and-consumer-sciences/fcs-e-newsletter-food-family-finance.

Kate Shumaker is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be reached at 330-674-3015. Like and follow on Facebook @OSUEXTHolmes or visit holmes.osu.edu.