Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Novelist, Educator, Montessori Teaching Proponent, Vermonter at Heart

Education reformer, social activist and best-selling author Dorothy Canfield Fisher was born in Lawrence, Kansas in early 1879. Dorothy brought the Montesorri method of education to the United States and was named as one of the ten most influential women in America by Eleanor Roosevelt. Ask us about visiting Vermont or share your suggestions of famous Vermont people. To feature your business in VT Living, contact us.

Famous Vermont People: Dorothy Canfield Fisher

“It is not good for all our wishes to be filled; through sickness we recognize the value of health; through evil, the value of good; through hunger, the value of food; through exertion, the value of rest.”

A Dorothy Canfield Fisher quote.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher lived most of her adult life in Arlington, Vermont. She was born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1879. Her father was a native Vermonter. a popular novelist and education proponent.

Fisher helped to introduce the Montessori teaching method to America. She also helped found the Adult Education Association. Many of her stories were about traditional New England values and rural Vermont life.

Many of Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s writings were composed in the building known as the Arlington Community House. The building still stands in downtown Arlington, Vermont, a photograph of the building may be found on our Arlington Vermont page. A Vermont historic marker is located in front of the Arlington Community House.

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