Honoring the Past, Leading the Future: Celebrating Women’s History Month in Swarthmore
March is National Women’s History Month, and at The Inn at Swarthmore, we are surrounded by the legacy of women who changed the world. From the pioneering suffragists who walked the Swarthmore College campus to the female leaders who run our daily operations today, this month is a celebration of grit, grace, and leadership.
The Trailblazers of Swarthmore and Philadelphia
Our location is steeped in the history of the women’s rights movement. Swarthmore College was co-founded by Quakers in 1864 with a revolutionary vision: that men and women should receive the same high-quality education.
Alice Paul (Class of 1905)
One of the most influential figures in American history, Alice Paul was a central strategist for the 19th Amendment. Her fight for the right to vote began right here as a student. Today, the Alice Paul Center on campus stands as a testament to her enduring impact on equality.
Lucretia Mott
A Philadelphia icon and one of the founders of Swarthmore College, Mott was a powerhouse abolitionist and feminist. She spent her life fighting for the marginalized, proving that the spirit of activism is woven into the very fabric of our local community.
Helen Magill White (Class of 1873)
A true pioneer of academia, Helen was a member of Swarthmore’s first graduating class and went on to become the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. (in Greek, from Boston University). She shattered the "stained-glass ceiling" of higher education.
Women in Hospitality: Leading the Way at The Inn
While we look back at history, we also look around at the women currently shaping the guest experience at The Inn at Swarthmore. The hospitality industry is historically one where women have worked behind the scenes, but today, we are proud to say that women lead from the front at our property.
Our leadership team is comprised of talented women across several key departments:
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General Management: Steering the ship and ensuring our mission of "Town and Gown" hospitality is met every day.
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Sales & Marketing: Connecting our community and helping guests plan their most important life events.
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Food & Beverage: Managing the complex operations of the Broad Table Tavern, ensuring every meal is a celebration of local flavor.
Plan Your History-Inspired Getaway
Women’s History Month is the perfect time to plan a weekend of exploration in the Philadelphia suburbs. Whether you’re a history buff, a prospective student, or simply looking for a meaningful retreat, The Inn at Swarthmore serves as the perfect home base for your journey through the legacy of local trailblazers.
A Weekend Itinerary of Discovery:
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Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the Swarthmore College campus, visiting the Alice Paul Center and the Lucretia Mott monument to stand where the suffrage movement found its voice.
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Afternoon: Take a short 20-minute drive or a quick SEPTA ride into Philadelphia to visit the Marian Anderson Museum or the Betsy Ross House, celebrating the women who shaped the nation’s cultural and political landscape.
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Evening: Return to the Inn to unwind. Share a meal at the Broad Table Tavern, where you can enjoy a menu curated under the guidance of our female leadership team.
Stay with Us
After a day of walking in the footsteps of legends, retreat to the comfort of our modern guest rooms. With our signature "academic-chic" atmosphere and deep roots in the Swarthmore community, you’ll feel the inspiration of the past and the hospitality of the present.
Experience the legacy firsthand this March.