Writings: Byfield, 1821

Writings (circa 1827-1849, n.d.) contains Lyon's published works and her unpublished lists, notes, and other documents. Her publications consist of pamphlets that she wrote between 1834-circa 1840 describing the goals, location, curriculum, requirements, regulations, application process, and domestic work system at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. The collection also includes her 1843 book, the Missionary Offering, which reflects her commitment to supporting the work of foreign missionaries. Some of the unpublished materials date from her studies at Byfield Seminary (1821) and Sanderson Academy (1827-1828). These documents consist of her compositions and lecture notes as well as her hand-drawn map of the United States. Unpublished writings from her years as a teacher and administrator at Ipswich Female Seminary date from about 1830-1834 and include notes for her religious instruction of and talks to students, her lectures on "intellectual philosophy," notes for teachers' meetings, and lists of books, chemicals, and other supplies at the school. Writings relating to Mount Holyoke Female Seminary (circa 1833-1848, n.d.) include plans for the Seminary Building, financial records, lists of applicants, and notes about the domestic work system. The remaining materials in this series consist of documents organized into subject categories (circa 1833-1849, n.d.). These items include a journal the she kept during her travels in Pennsylvania, New York State, and Michigan in 1833, notes reflecting her ideas about education and teaching, her comments on some of her readings, a list of members of her family, and descriptions of her personal property.