University of Tasmania
Browse

Clive Lord Memorial Lecture: Teresa Hamilton in Tasmania: first-wave feminism in action

Download (384.53 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-11-02, 05:02 authored by A Alexander
Teresa Hamilton arrived in Tasmania in March 1887, when her husband, Sir Robert Hamilton, became Governor. She undertook the social activities expected of the governor's wife with panache but, being a forceful lady, she was imbued with new ideas of the activities suitable for women, such as were becoming popular in Britain. She arranged, sometimes even delivering herself, lectures on health, diet, sanitation, first aid, nursing and hygiene, open to women of all classes. She formed the Nursing Band which later became the District Nursing Association and involved herself in a women's refuge home, education for girls, sanitary reform and temperance activity. Other interests were women's sport, art and the still-existing Hamilton Literary Society. In two areas she encouraged women to influence public opinion and try to change laws. Teresa Hamilton left Tasmania with its structure much as it had been before her arrival, but with women of all classes shown how to play a more active role in that structure.

History

Publication title

Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania

Volume

131

Pagination

1-11

ISSN

0080-4703

Rights statement

Copyright Royal Society of Tasmania.

Usage metrics

    Royal Society of Tasmania

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC