The history of the institution once known as the College of Home Economics is as vibrant as the people who shaped it. One of the first to open its doors to women, the College of Human Ecology has always been known as a catalyst for positive change. Its first roots were planted in 1900. The College is poised at the brink of yet another transition. It is indeed an exciting time to be a part of the Human Ecology community!
TIMELINE:
| 1900 | Liberty Hyde Bailey, then-dean of the College of Agriculture, hires Martha Van Rensselaer to develop a home economics curriculum to meet the needs of the women of New York State. Van Rensselaer integrates newly emerging scientific knowledge with accessible learning opportunities for women and their families. |
| 1903 | Cornell University begins to offer for credit, courses relating to home and family life. |
| 1907 | The College of Agriculture establishes the Department of Home Economics. |
| 1911 | Martha Van Rensselaer and her colleague, Flora Rose, are named Cornell’s first full-time women professors. |
| 1919 | The School of Home Economics is established. |
| 1925 | The New York State legislature passes a bill creating the New York State College of Home Economics. |
| 1933 | The College of Home Economics moves into the newly dedicated Martha Van Rensselaer Hall. |
| 1969 | The College is renamed the New York State College of Human Ecology to better reflect its focus on human health and relationships. |
| 2000 | The College celebrates its Centennial with a series of events and the slogan “Value Our Past, Create Our Future!” |
| 2002 | West Addition of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall is opened, featuring a human metabolic research unit, state-of-the-art CAD labs, distance learning classrooms, and lecture halls. |
| 2005 | Work begins on the Human Ecology Center for Science and Design. |
Home Economics as an academic discipline was a primary force in advancing women scholastically and in the professions. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections in Kroch Library and these exceptional on-line exhibits:
