Mildred Scott Olmsted (1890-1990)
Rose Valley, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
An antiwar campaigner and women's and civil rights activist, Olmsted traveled the world on behalf of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. WILPF's advocacy was consistent with her Quaker beliefs. She headed the national WILPF organization for over 40 years and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her efforts. She and her husband hosted leaders such as Jane Addams, Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King in their home here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
From her home in Rose Valley, Mildred Scott Olmsted spent more than four decades leading the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, carrying its antiwar and human-rights message around the world. Her activism flowed from her Quaker faith and joined the causes of peace, women's rights, and civil rights. She and her husband welcomed figures such as Jane Addams, Bayard Rustin, and Martin Luther King into their household.
Why it matters
Olmsted links the pacifist and suffrage movements of the early twentieth century to the mid-century civil rights struggle, showing how one activist's home became a crossroads of American reform.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer12.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall13.0 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia13.0 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall13.1 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House13.1 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Liberty Bell Center13.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- American Bandstand10.1 mi away
- Commandant's Quarters11.2 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo11.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge11.5 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir11.8 mi away
- Rocky Steps11.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden12.8 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily12.9 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon12.9 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe12.9 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill12.9 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory12.9 mi away
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City12.3 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City12.3 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites12.4 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express12.4 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn12.4 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City12.5 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Mildred Scott Olmsted
- · Jane Addams
- · Bayard Rustin
- · Martin Luther King
Themes & tags
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