Blaker, Eliza Ann (1854–1926)

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Blaker, Eliza Ann (1854–1926)

American kindergarten founder. Born Eliza Ann Cooper, Mar 5, 1854, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; died Dec 4, 1926, in Indianapolis, Indiana; m. Louis J. Blaker, Sept 15, 1880.

Known largely for her kindergarten-teacher training program, which began in her home (1882) and became the Teachers College of Indianapolis, served as president until her death (approximately 20,000 girls were educated under her leadership); also opened the 1st free kindergarten in Indianapolis (c. 1882), which she also supervised (60 kindergartens were opened by the Society over next several decades).

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