In honor of Women's History Month, the Library is taking a look back at some of the remarkable women who changed The New York Public Library—and the field of librarianship—forever with our new series, Foreword: Women Who Built NYPL. Each week this March, we will be sharing reflections from our current staff on how the impact of these trailblazing figures from the Library's 125-year history are still felt today. 

About Alice Hudson

Alice Hudson joined The New York Public Library in 1970 as a Map Cataloger and Reference Librarian, and by the end of her tenure in 2009 had changed the landscape of map librarianship forever. Hudson’s curatorial and collection work helped establish the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division at the Library as one of the premier public map collections in the world (she would eventually become the Division’s chief) and her research into the history of cartography—particularly her focus on centering the work of women in the field of mapmaking—continues to inform and inspire today’s researchers.

Alice Hudson’s Legacy

Reflection by Kate Cordes, Associate Director, Reference and Outreach

For nearly half a century, Alice Hudson has been a force in the field of map librarianship. Beginning her career at the Library during a formative period in the field, Alice helped shape and further the professionalization of map librarianship, serving as a tireless advocate for the role of maps, cartography, and geography in historical research. Over the course of her decades-long career, she helped guide and mentor countless scholars and colleagues and served as an indefatigable resource for even more researchers, students, and curious people who came to the Library. Her curatorial and collection work at The New York Public Library helped establish the Library’s Map Division as one of the premier public map collections in the world—and her research into the history of cartography, particularly centering the work of women in the field of mapmaking, continues to inform and inspire today’s researchers. 

I consider myself fortunate that my first position at the Library was working under Alice in the Map Division, and it was from her that I gained a deep understanding of research librarianship. Alice provided a model of public service that has proven foundational for me, and her dedication to the mission of the Library, to the collections, and to her staff have deeply influenced my career.

After Alice's retirement from the Library, she continued her research and writing on the history of cartography, offering knowledge and encouragement to researchers and students from all over the country, and she remains a cherished colleague to her friends at the Library.

This is part of the Foreword: Women Who Built NYPL series. Find out how the Library is celebrating Women's History Month with recommended reading, events and programs, and more.