1910s Barnard Freshmen Embrace Physical Education

This historical photograph captures Barnard Colleges Freshman Class in Physical Education, likely taken between 1915 and 1920. The image showcases young women, dressed in early 20th-century athletic attire, highlighting the importance of physical education during a time when womens roles were evolving. Barnard, founded in 1889, was one of the first institutions to offer women higher education, promoting not just academic advancement but also physical fitness.

In this snapshot, students engage in physical activities, which reflected a broader trend in womens education during the Progressive Era. The early 1900s saw a growing recognition of the importance of exercise and sports for women, challenging traditional notions of femininity. This photo serves as a visual document of that transformative period, portraying a new generation of women empowered through education and physical activity.