The first female physician to practice medicine in Canada, Emily Jennings was born in Norwich Township to Quaker parents. For some years she taught school, then, in the early l860's she decided to pursue a career in medicine. Refused admission to an exclusively male institution in Toronto, Stowe enrolled in the New York Medical College for women. She received her degree in1867 and, returning to Canada, established a successful practice in Toronto. A passionate advocate for social reform, Stowe campaigned vigorously for increased educational opportunities for women, effectively challenging the right of Canadian universities and medical schools to exclude female students. As first president of the Dominion Women's Enfranchisement Association (l889-1903), she also contributed significantly to the advancement of women's voting rights.

Location

On the grounds of the Norwich and District Historical Museum and Archives, Highway 59, Norwich

Themes

• People
• Politics and law
• Scientific and technological innovations
• Women's history