Wilson, Alice Evelyn National Historic Person
Ottawa, Ontario
Alice Wilson sitting on a rock, 1953
© Natural Resources Canada | Ressources Naturelles Canada / Photo no 165185
Address :
240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2011-07-19
Life Date:
1881 to 1964
Other Name(s):
-
Alice Evelyn Wilson (1881-1964)
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2009-004
Importance:
A scientist, teacher, and popularizer, she made a significant contribution to paleontology and geology
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Alice Wilson helped pave the way for women in scientific fields and within the federal civil service. This persevering scientist, teacher, and popularizer made significant contributions to paleontology and geology, undertaking extensive studies of the Ottawa-St. Lawrence Lowlands. With support from the Canadian Federation of University Women, she earned a doctorate in 1929 and was the first woman employed as a geologist at the Geological Survey of Canada, formerly located here. In recognition of her achievements, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire and was the first female Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.