Born: 1840, United States (assumed)
Died: 1920
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
The following is republished with permission from the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail.
The Charlestown Public Library, established in 1860, owes much to pioneers like Jane Edwards (1825-1905), Helen Wise (1830-1908), and donor Charlotte Harris (1840-1920).
In 1860, Edwards and Wise played a crucial role in readying the Charlestown Public Library for its opening by establishing a card catalog system for the initial collection of 1,200 books. Their pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the library’s organization and accessibility. Harris, a notable descendent of the Devens and Harris families of Charlestown, made significant contributions to the library and the community. She donated ten thousand dollars to the Charlestown Library and also gifted a set of chimes of bells to the First Parish Church of Charlestown, enhancing both cultural and public service institutions in the area.