Margaret Pearmain Welch (1893–1984)

“Elizabeth Fideler tells the story of Margaret Pearmain Welch (1883–1984), who, despite her privileged status as a member of Boston’s social elite, chose the life of a pioneer in her tireless advocacy of controversial causes. . . . By skillfully interweaving both the personal and political, Fideler lends depth and enrichment to her narrative and illuminates the turbulent history of twentieth-century American reform movements.”


—Marjorie Wechsler, Professor of History Emerita, Lesley University





“Drawing on formidable archival research, Fideler tells the story of Margaret Pearmain Welch, her life among intertwined Bostonian families, and her developing interest in women’s rights, pacifism, workers’ rights, and economic injustice. Partly from Welch’s own writing, a portrait emerges of an intelligent, surprisingly unconventional woman.”


—Marcia McClintock Folsom, Professor of Literature, Wheelock College





“Elizabeth Fideler’s biography of Margaret Pearman Welch introduces us to an extraordinary woman. Born to wealth and gentility on Beacon Hill, this Boston aristocrat evolved into a New Deal Democrat and Quaker peace activist and feminist. Fideler not only details a fascinating life, but tells us much about twentieth-century American activism.”


—Thomas Hamm, Professor of History, Curator of the Quaker Collection, Director of Special Collections, Earlham College





“I knew and worked closely with Margaret Welch as a young state legislator on some key environmental issues when she was one of the few environmental advocates walking the halls of the Massachusetts State House. She was a force of nature—tough, persistent, unafraid, at a time when a woman lobbyist was a rarity. Her story is a must read.”


—Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts. Professor, Northeastern University