Maria Cleofe Pellegrini: woman, teacher and activist in the History of education

Abstract

The studies conducted and promoted by Giorgio Chiosso have brought to light previously overlooked figures in the history of
education, schooling and academic institution (1997; Chiosso, Sani, 2013). Maria Cleofe Pellegrini (1854-1936) played a significant
role in advancing children’s and women’s rights, yet her bio-bibliographical profile remains under-investigated. A teacher
in Normal Schools and later a director and inspector at the Ministry of Public Education, she wrote educational texts and school
manuals. She was actively engaged in women’s and professional teaching associations and supported women’s suffrage. Through historiographical analysis and a systematic review of the periodicals with which she collaborated, this contribution aims to reconstruct her “history within History”.