Historic Humanist Series

Horace Mann, born May 4,1796, was instrumental in establishing mental institutions and the first state board of education in the United States. He generated public support for increasing teacher's pay and improving their training through the establishment of teacher-training schools. He strongly influenced the evolution of modern education.

In 1843 Mann studied educational systems in Europe and upon returning home began major reforms in public education. He urged the abolition of corporal punishment for students and advocated nonsectarian public schools. The opposition he encountered from church officials served to arouse public support for state operated public schools.

Mann became president of Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1853. He held this post until his death in 1859.

--Flo Wineriter