Janet Wilson James (December 23, 1918 – June 10, 1987) was an American historian, educator, and pioneer in the field of women's history.
The annual Janet James Award at Boston College acknowledges her legacy by recognizing undergraduate students' academic achievements and personal commitment to women's and gender issues.
She had a challenging relationship with her mother, who suffered from depression, but formed a close bond with her sister, Lucy Wilson Benson.
[2][3] In 1942, James began doctoral work at Radcliffe College, studying women's history with Arthur Schlesinger Sr.
[1] The family returned to Massachusetts in 1958, and James resumed her career in 1961, assisting Edward as an editor of Notable American Women, 1607-1950: A Biographical Dictionary.
A former student described her lasting impact as follows: “Janet’s courageous persistence created the space for women to follow.”[6] The Janet James Award is an annual recognition that commemorates her legacy by acknowledging the accomplishments of students who are committed to furthering the fields of gender equality and women's rights in academia.