Maria Mitchell was born into a community unusual for its time in regard to equality for women. [19][20] The Maria Mitchell Observatory in Nantucket is named in her honor. The Observatory is part of the Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket, which aims to preserve the sciences on the island. She was the namesake of a World War II Liberty ship, the SS Maria Mitchell. Wright, Helen, Sweeper in the Skies: The Life of Maria Mitchell, (College Avenue Press, Clinton Corners,NY,1997.ISBN 1-883551-70-6.