Whether you are a student at Stevens Institute of Technology or just visiting the campus, there is a chance that you have walked past “Martha Bayard Stevens Hall.” To many passing by, it is simply just a building, but it holds a deeper meaning than just a name on a sign. It honors the woman who shaped Stevens to become the university it is today, built the city of Hoboken, and influenced all of education and philanthropy in New Jersey.
Martha Bayard Dod was born on May 15, 1831, in Princeton, New Jersey. Her father was a math professor at Princeton University, and her mother was from the extremely politically prominent family of the Bayards. The Bayard family was originally from France but escaped to Holland and then settled in New Jersey just before the Revolutionary War. Martha always had a connection with Hoboken, with her relative originally owning the land itself. She would later come into possession of the land after it was bought by Colonel John Stevens III, as she would marry into the Stevens family.
Martha married Edwin Agustus Stevens in 1854. He was known as the last surviving son of the Stevens family in Hoboken. The Stevens family had already influenced the world of engineering and innovation years before. Working on early steam transportation, forming some of the first commuter railroads, and most notable association, the establishment of Stevens Institute of Technology. Edwin had passed in 1868, and in his will, he asked Martha for one thing: to establish a school that was dedicated to mechanical engineering. Without Martha carrying out Ediwns’s wish, I would not be here writing this to tell you her remarkable impact.
Martha became crucial in the founding of Stevens after her husband’s passing. She worked closely with all members of the community to make Edwin’s wish come true. The motto of “Inspired by humanity, powered by technology” comes from the unique approach of mixing scientific and humanistic education. The curriculum that is taught here at Stevens, the unique mix between engineering and liberal arts, is because of Martha.
Martha was dedicated to more than just founding Stevens. She was also a philanthropist and sought to help the lives of those in Hoboken. Much of the history and what is here in Hoboken today is because of her endeavors. Martha established multiple initiatives and institutions; the Industrial Education Association, a school for young women in Hoboken, the Martha Institute, where boys were trained in industrial skills, provided the funding to build the Hoboken free public library, founded St. Martha’s Ward in St Mary’s Hospital, and was a liberal contributor to St. Katherine’s Home, Christ Hospital, and almost every other church in Hoboken. Martha believed that education was a gift and should be shared with everyone across all different communities. She placed the opportunity to learn in the hands of many residents in Hoboken.
Martha Bayard Stevens died on April 1, 1899, in Hoboken, the city she dedicated herself to. She spent her life building a legacy that would be remembered, taught, and honored. What Martha created is still seen in all corners of the city today. She established innovation and opportunity, and her philosophies that she enforced are taught in all classrooms at Stevens. She was committed to Hoboken, helping its people and making lasting impacts for generations to follow. Her name is a reminder of resilience and carrying out purpose; Martha Bayard Stevens taught Hoboken what it truly means to make a lasting impact.
