Mahoney, Mary Eliza
1845-1926 · Contribution: 1879
Nurse
Pioneering professional nursing practice and advocacy

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1845, Boston, Massachusetts
- Active since
- 1879
- Category
- Science & Medicine
- Best known for
- First professionally trained African American nurse
Impact on the world
Mahoney opened professional nursing to Black women and organized to secure their standing in the field, laying the groundwork for generations of Black nurses.
Sources
- National Women's History Museum
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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