Old fashioned photo with women in chairs

History of FACS

Leading the way for change and innovation

In the late 19th century Ellen Swallow Richards pioneered the discipline of home economics which would eventually become family and consumer sciences. In September 1918, twelve female students enrolled in classes at the University of Georgia in the division of home economics. Courses offered in the 1918-19 school year were foods and cookery; textiles and clothing; home administration; education; and winter short courses. Learn more about the history of our College here.

About the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

Facts about family and consumer sciences

  • Performed the first extensive study of body measurements, standardizing sizes of garments and patterns.
  • Advocated successfully for the National School Lunch Act, which brought more nutritious meals to children. 
  • Fostered the movement for preschool education. 
  • Took the lead in teaching “life skills”—personal finance, nutrition and dietetics, human/child development, and housing and interior design. 

View the UGA FACS historical timeline here

Learn about Ellen Swallow Richards here

"The environment that people live in is the environment that they learn to live in, respond to, and perpetuate. If the environment is good, so be it. But if it is poor, so is the quality of life within it." Ellen Swallow Richards

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