Edward A Bouchet Monument

Early Life and Education

On September 15, 1852, Edward Alexander Bouchet was born in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of William Frances and Susan (Cooley) Bouchet. As a valet for the father of Judge A. Heaton Robinson, William, his father, relocated to New Haven from South Charleston, South Carolina, in 1824.

In high school, Edward A. Bouchet excelled in his studies, becoming valedictorian at Hopkins School, and in 1874, he was the first African American to graduate from Yale University. He was also admitted into Phi Beta Kappa, a prestigious honor society.

Graduate Studies and Career

Bouchet pursued graduate studies in physics at Yale, and in 1876, he became the first African American to receive a Ph.D. Additionally, he was the Western Hemisphere’s sixth doctorate recipient. After that, Bouchet oversaw the scientific department for 26 years at the Institute for Colored Youth, a high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he instructed students in physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography, and physiology.

Retirement and Legacy

Bouchet retired back to New Haven, where he lived until his death in 1918. He was laid to rest in an unmarked burial in the Evergreen Cemetery family plot in New Haven. In October 1998, the memorial dedicated to Dr. Bouchet was unveiled.

This site is open to the public.