Sep
26

Peggy Kidwell recognized for her distinguished contributions to the history of women in the sciences

Dr. Peggy A. Kidwell, curator in the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, has been elected Fellow of the American Physical Society by the APS Council of Representatives at its September meeting upon the recommendation of the APS Forum on the History of Physics.

candid photo of Peggy Kidwell

Dr. Peggy A. Kidwell

APS Fellowship recognizes Dr. Kidwell’s distinguished contributions to the history of physics, astronomy, and mathematics, particularly the work of women in these fields, the development of Harvard College Observatory, and the history of mathematical theory, instruments of computation, and mathematics education.

Dr. Kidwell’s research specialties include the history of mathematics, the history of computing, the history of astrophysics and women in science. Her past projects include

  • A book on the material culture of American mathematics teaching
  • Small exhibitions on such topics as the metric system in the United States, mathematical instruments of Spain and Spanish America, the history of the term “computer bug,” and mathematics teaching apparatus.
  • Collecting mathematical instruments, software, and teaching devices.

She is currently working on a history of mathematical recreations in the United States.

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Posted: 26 September 2018
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.