1. +
Horace Mann & His
Legacy
By Janice Folk
May 6, 2013

2. +
Research Question
In order to understand the origin of normal schools, the
development of higher education, and the progress of access,
it is important to know about the man who played a role in all
three. My paper investigates the life and work of Horace
Mann. The paper answers the question “what influence did
Horace Mann have in the history of higher education?” as well
as “what is Horace Mann’s story?”

3. +
Horace Mann 101
 Grew up in poverty in
Franklin, Massachusetts with
very little education.
 Attended Brown, paying his
own way.Then studied law!
 Sacrificed his law and political
careers to pursue his work in
supporting common schools
and overall public education.
 Married twice and had three
children.

4. +
Literature Review
A review of the most prominent literature used within the research
paper.

5. +
Tharp, L. H. (1953). Until victory:
Horace Mann and Mary Peabody
A very in-depth look at both personal and professional
accomplishments and downfalls.This source was the most
helpful look into the life story of Horace Mann. This was the
basis for the paper, with the use of his own documents and
other supporting documents to enhance the tale.

6. +
Seventh Annual Report (1843)
 Spoke of his observations of schools in Europe, specifically
Prussia.
 Supported the harmonious relationships among students and
their teachers.
 Was anti-corporal punishment that was occurring in the
Massachusetts schools.
 Many teachers were outraged by this attack on their
methods.

7. +
Compayre, G. (1907). Horace Mann and
the public schools in the United States.
This very dated but helpful book gave me more insight into
the life and education of Horace Mann. Offered some “facts”
that were different in other books I read, but still offered good
information.

8. +
Findings & Conclusion

9. +
Findings: Horace Mann…
 Was a lawyer, politician, and
passionate advocate.
 Helped to found and serve on
the Board of Education in
Massachusetts.
 Served in Congress.
 Was an advocate for the
eradication of slavery.
 Was a very passionate and
driven man.

10. +
Horace Mann also…
 Considered the next generation his “client” and worked hard
to support their education and well-being.
 Created accessible libraries.
 Created the Normal School System.
 Helped create the Common School System.
 Helped to create a publication about the Common School
System.

11. +
Conclusion
Horace Mann was a passionate and hardworking supporter
of public education and access to this education.
He did a lot of research throughout the United States and
Europe to find “best practices” to bring to his systems.
We can use his philosophies in these areas to further
improve the United States’ system of higher education or
even its secondary education.

12. +
“Be ashamed to die until you
have won some victory for
humanity.”
Horace Mann, Commencement Address at Antioch College, 1859