Nina Baker
@ninabake2.bsky.social
Independent engineering historian: women in engineering, motoring, aviation, construction. Writing book on women's motoring clubs worldwide.
Ex-MN. Ex-Deacon Hammermen of Glasgow. OBE.
No profile? I won't follow you
https://womenengineerssite.wordpress.com
Ex-MN. Ex-Deacon Hammermen of Glasgow. OBE.
No profile? I won't follow you
https://womenengineerssite.wordpress.com
Pinned
Nina Baker
@ninabake2.bsky.social
· Nov 14
I am writing a book about the history of the clubs that women motorists have set up for themselves worldwide from the 1890s to the present day.
If you or your mum etc were ever in such a group anywhere in the world I would love to hear from you.
Here are some of the badges of UK clubs:
If you or your mum etc were ever in such a group anywhere in the world I would love to hear from you.
Here are some of the badges of UK clubs:
Reposted by Nina Baker
Dorothy Vaughan | NASA mathematician, programmer & manager died #OTD in 2008
First Black female supervisor at NACA (precursor to NASA), expert programmer, Scout Launch Vehicle Program contributor & more. #WomenInSTEM
Learn more about this "Hidden Figure:" nasa.gov/people/dorot...
First Black female supervisor at NACA (precursor to NASA), expert programmer, Scout Launch Vehicle Program contributor & more. #WomenInSTEM
Learn more about this "Hidden Figure:" nasa.gov/people/dorot...
November 10, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Dorothy Vaughan | NASA mathematician, programmer & manager died #OTD in 2008
First Black female supervisor at NACA (precursor to NASA), expert programmer, Scout Launch Vehicle Program contributor & more. #WomenInSTEM
Learn more about this "Hidden Figure:" nasa.gov/people/dorot...
First Black female supervisor at NACA (precursor to NASA), expert programmer, Scout Launch Vehicle Program contributor & more. #WomenInSTEM
Learn more about this "Hidden Figure:" nasa.gov/people/dorot...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Ella Wall Van Leer US artist architect. 1st Lady of Georgia Tech overturned statute barring female students there, 1954 encouraged Alpha Xi Delta to set up 1st sorority @ engineering school. Society of Women Eng memb, daughter Maryly also engineer. b #OTD 11 Nov 1892 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Li...
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Ella Wall Van Leer US artist architect. 1st Lady of Georgia Tech overturned statute barring female students there, 1954 encouraged Alpha Xi Delta to set up 1st sorority @ engineering school. Society of Women Eng memb, daughter Maryly also engineer. b #OTD 11 Nov 1892 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Li...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Maria Teresa de Filippis Italian racing driver, 1st woman to race in Formula 1. Took part in 5 World Championship Grands Prix from 1958. Formula 1 racing career was brief, she won races in other series, remembered as a pioneer in the sport. b. #OTD 11 Nov 1926 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_T...
November 11, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Maria Teresa de Filippis Italian racing driver, 1st woman to race in Formula 1. Took part in 5 World Championship Grands Prix from 1958. Formula 1 racing career was brief, she won races in other series, remembered as a pioneer in the sport. b. #OTD 11 Nov 1926 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_T...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Poem by Stella Browne : 'Scrapped: The Women Munition Workers of Britain, Before and After November 1918'
'You have done well: To you we owe our lives
Our soldiers’ glory, and our prosperous days.
Handmaids of Vulcan, sisters, heroes’ wives!
Our thanks shall match our praise.' 1/2
'You have done well: To you we owe our lives
Our soldiers’ glory, and our prosperous days.
Handmaids of Vulcan, sisters, heroes’ wives!
Our thanks shall match our praise.' 1/2
November 11, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Poem by Stella Browne : 'Scrapped: The Women Munition Workers of Britain, Before and After November 1918'
'You have done well: To you we owe our lives
Our soldiers’ glory, and our prosperous days.
Handmaids of Vulcan, sisters, heroes’ wives!
Our thanks shall match our praise.' 1/2
'You have done well: To you we owe our lives
Our soldiers’ glory, and our prosperous days.
Handmaids of Vulcan, sisters, heroes’ wives!
Our thanks shall match our praise.' 1/2
If a lot of these ladies do not look as delighted as you might expect, bear in mind that this means they have overnight lost their jobs and will be unemployed, with no thanks from the nation whatsoever. Women will be told to go into domestic service or lose the tiny dole.
At 5am on 11 November 1918, an armistice was signed and hostilities on the Western Front ceased at 11am. Although the peace treaties that would formally end the First World War would not be signed until 1919. Celebrations, that day in the West Riding were often led by the women
November 11, 2025 at 10:24 AM
If a lot of these ladies do not look as delighted as you might expect, bear in mind that this means they have overnight lost their jobs and will be unemployed, with no thanks from the nation whatsoever. Women will be told to go into domestic service or lose the tiny dole.
Reposted by Nina Baker
At 5am on 11 November 1918, an armistice was signed and hostilities on the Western Front ceased at 11am. Although the peace treaties that would formally end the First World War would not be signed until 1919. Celebrations, that day in the West Riding were often led by the women
November 11, 2025 at 6:20 AM
At 5am on 11 November 1918, an armistice was signed and hostilities on the Western Front ceased at 11am. Although the peace treaties that would formally end the First World War would not be signed until 1919. Celebrations, that day in the West Riding were often led by the women
Reposted by Nina Baker
New book out exploring the unique #coal #mininghistory of #Culross #Fife. It will provide an excellent companion to our #MiningLandscapes journey ‘The Ash Way Collection 3: Preston Island’ 👉 www.mining-landscapes.org/route/84
that explores many of the sites featured - its on our Xmas wish list.
that explores many of the sites featured - its on our Xmas wish list.
November 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
New book out exploring the unique #coal #mininghistory of #Culross #Fife. It will provide an excellent companion to our #MiningLandscapes journey ‘The Ash Way Collection 3: Preston Island’ 👉 www.mining-landscapes.org/route/84
that explores many of the sites featured - its on our Xmas wish list.
that explores many of the sites featured - its on our Xmas wish list.
Reposted by Nina Baker
One of the few genuinely amusing parts of the whole Unbound/Boundless saga is that they had an active policy of trying to secure books written by authors wiith strong social media presences.
Which is a group you DEFINITELY don't want to screw over while then trying to sell a new grift.
Which is a group you DEFINITELY don't want to screw over while then trying to sell a new grift.
June 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
One of the few genuinely amusing parts of the whole Unbound/Boundless saga is that they had an active policy of trying to secure books written by authors wiith strong social media presences.
Which is a group you DEFINITELY don't want to screw over while then trying to sell a new grift.
Which is a group you DEFINITELY don't want to screw over while then trying to sell a new grift.
Reposted by Nina Baker
Dorothy Vaughan US mathematician & human computer worked for NACA & NASA @ Langley Research Center. 1949 acting supervisor of W Area Computers, 1st African-American woman to be promoted & supervise staff there. Taught self & staff Fortran. b. #OTD 10 Nov 2008 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy...
November 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Dorothy Vaughan US mathematician & human computer worked for NACA & NASA @ Langley Research Center. 1949 acting supervisor of W Area Computers, 1st African-American woman to be promoted & supervise staff there. Taught self & staff Fortran. b. #OTD 10 Nov 2008 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Klára Dán von Neumann wrote code for MANIAC computer used in nuclear fusion research @ Los Alamos National Laboratory. Developed upgrades to ENIAC, 1 of its primary programmers. 1940s taught pioneering meteorologists how to program computers. d. #OTD 10 Nov 1963 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kl%C3%A...
November 10, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Klára Dán von Neumann wrote code for MANIAC computer used in nuclear fusion research @ Los Alamos National Laboratory. Developed upgrades to ENIAC, 1 of its primary programmers. 1940s taught pioneering meteorologists how to program computers. d. #OTD 10 Nov 1963 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kl%C3%A...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Elizabeth Bragg 1876 1st woman to earn civil engineering degree from US university @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social w thesis “A Solution of a Peculiar Problem of Surveying”. Teacher until 1888 marriage to Southern Pacific Railroad Co civil engineer. d #OTD 10 Nov 1929 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabe...
November 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Elizabeth Bragg 1876 1st woman to earn civil engineering degree from US university @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social w thesis “A Solution of a Peculiar Problem of Surveying”. Teacher until 1888 marriage to Southern Pacific Railroad Co civil engineer. d #OTD 10 Nov 1929 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabe...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Alice Huyler Ramsey 1909 1st woman to drive car across US, 3800 miles #NewYork to #SanFrancisco in green 4-cylinder, 30-hp Maxwell DA. 59-day trek w 2 sisters-in-law & friend who couldn't drive. Arrived to great fanfare on 3 wks later than planned. b #OTD 11 Nov 1886 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_H...
November 11, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Alice Huyler Ramsey 1909 1st woman to drive car across US, 3800 miles #NewYork to #SanFrancisco in green 4-cylinder, 30-hp Maxwell DA. 59-day trek w 2 sisters-in-law & friend who couldn't drive. Arrived to great fanfare on 3 wks later than planned. b #OTD 11 Nov 1886 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_H...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Mrs Victor Bruce's 18,000 mile flight around 🌍 1930-1 established record for longest solo flight in light aeroplane. Record-breaking racing motorist, speedboat racer & aviator in 1920/30s & later successful businesswoman & @wes1919.bsky.social speaker. b. 10 Nov 1895 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_Vic...
November 10, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Mrs Victor Bruce's 18,000 mile flight around 🌍 1930-1 established record for longest solo flight in light aeroplane. Record-breaking racing motorist, speedboat racer & aviator in 1920/30s & later successful businesswoman & @wes1919.bsky.social speaker. b. 10 Nov 1895 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_Vic...
#BookBudgetAlert @daledebakcsy.bsky.social @politicdormouse.bsky.social @womenshistnet.bsky.social
Kay's book about careers novels for girls is finally published, mine arrived today. A great resource because these books were really the only careers advice then.
www.ggbp.co.uk/product/kw-a...
Kay's book about careers novels for girls is finally published, mine arrived today. A great resource because these books were really the only careers advice then.
www.ggbp.co.uk/product/kw-a...
KW A Smart Suit and White Gloves
GGBP are delighted to announce a new edition of Kay Whalley’s Career Stories (written as Kay Clifford), retitled A Smart Suit and White Gloves. For thirty years after the war, the genre of girls’ care...
www.ggbp.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 5:56 PM
#BookBudgetAlert @daledebakcsy.bsky.social @politicdormouse.bsky.social @womenshistnet.bsky.social
Kay's book about careers novels for girls is finally published, mine arrived today. A great resource because these books were really the only careers advice then.
www.ggbp.co.uk/product/kw-a...
Kay's book about careers novels for girls is finally published, mine arrived today. A great resource because these books were really the only careers advice then.
www.ggbp.co.uk/product/kw-a...
Got my flu jag (Scottish for vaccination) yesterday and it turns out I am too 'young' and 'healthy' to get the covid one too, although I got it last year. So I am going to have to pay £80 to get it. Sigh.
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Got my flu jag (Scottish for vaccination) yesterday and it turns out I am too 'young' and 'healthy' to get the covid one too, although I got it last year. So I am going to have to pay £80 to get it. Sigh.
@gavia.bsky.social I certainly had no idea.
Hands up who knew Claude Rains, who starred in Gaslight, Casablanca, Notorious, Now Voyager, 3 other Bette Davis pictures (among umpteen others) was born in Clapham in 1889, one of 12 children only 3 of whom survived, and taught John Gielgud and Charles Laughton at RADA? Happy Birthday, Claude.
November 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
@gavia.bsky.social I certainly had no idea.
🧵We are now the oldies in the family & inactionsI silently criticised my late, lovely parents for are things I now notice we aren't doing.
Specifically, realising we are not paying enough attention to routine house maintenance & it looks like we are going to have to replace fascia & soffit. 💧😠
1/2
Specifically, realising we are not paying enough attention to routine house maintenance & it looks like we are going to have to replace fascia & soffit. 💧😠
1/2
November 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
🧵We are now the oldies in the family & inactionsI silently criticised my late, lovely parents for are things I now notice we aren't doing.
Specifically, realising we are not paying enough attention to routine house maintenance & it looks like we are going to have to replace fascia & soffit. 💧😠
1/2
Specifically, realising we are not paying enough attention to routine house maintenance & it looks like we are going to have to replace fascia & soffit. 💧😠
1/2
Reposted by Nina Baker
Rena Stewart #Scottish #centenarian Studied German @ Uni of St Andrews. #WWII codebreaker @ Bletchley Park, translated Hitler’s will. Joined BBC Caversham Park, monitored Radio Moscow. Became journalist, 1st woman Senior Duty Editor #BBC World Service d. 11 Nov 2023 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rena_St...
November 10, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Rena Stewart #Scottish #centenarian Studied German @ Uni of St Andrews. #WWII codebreaker @ Bletchley Park, translated Hitler’s will. Joined BBC Caversham Park, monitored Radio Moscow. Became journalist, 1st woman Senior Duty Editor #BBC World Service d. 11 Nov 2023 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rena_St...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Louise Thaden US aviator. Salary with Travel Air job included flying lessons, so by 1929 was 1st pilot to hold women's altitude, endurance & speed records in light planes simultaneously & won Powder Puff Derby. Founder member of @theninetyninesinc.bsky.social d. #OTD 9 Nov 1979 bit.ly/3GsoV95
November 9, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Louise Thaden US aviator. Salary with Travel Air job included flying lessons, so by 1929 was 1st pilot to hold women's altitude, endurance & speed records in light planes simultaneously & won Powder Puff Derby. Founder member of @theninetyninesinc.bsky.social d. #OTD 9 Nov 1979 bit.ly/3GsoV95
Reposted by Nina Baker
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
He said that the agents would throw food at them to eat. The agents threatened to withhold food for a week and to beat him up if he didn't sign deportation papers. He said he saw others refuse and get beaten/receive no food. He signed because he was afraid.
November 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
Reposted by Nina Baker
Wrong. You can't be a 'legend' and 'engaged in rank racism and sexism' at the same time.
It's so frustrating. This misconception is still alive and kicking in today's science circles. Those labelled as 'geniuses' should not be forgiven their awfulness to others.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
It's so frustrating. This misconception is still alive and kicking in today's science circles. Those labelled as 'geniuses' should not be forgiven their awfulness to others.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Wrong. You can't be a 'legend' and 'engaged in rank racism and sexism' at the same time.
It's so frustrating. This misconception is still alive and kicking in today's science circles. Those labelled as 'geniuses' should not be forgiven their awfulness to others.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
It's so frustrating. This misconception is still alive and kicking in today's science circles. Those labelled as 'geniuses' should not be forgiven their awfulness to others.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
#YellowPoppyWreath
I made a 🟡poppy wreath to commemorate the men & women munitions workers who sacrificed their lives or their health in war service for their country.
🟡because of the 'Canaries' women whose skin turned 🟡from TNT chemicals.
#Glasgow cathedral today
@debsadelight.bsky.social
I made a 🟡poppy wreath to commemorate the men & women munitions workers who sacrificed their lives or their health in war service for their country.
🟡because of the 'Canaries' women whose skin turned 🟡from TNT chemicals.
#Glasgow cathedral today
@debsadelight.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
#YellowPoppyWreath
I made a 🟡poppy wreath to commemorate the men & women munitions workers who sacrificed their lives or their health in war service for their country.
🟡because of the 'Canaries' women whose skin turned 🟡from TNT chemicals.
#Glasgow cathedral today
@debsadelight.bsky.social
I made a 🟡poppy wreath to commemorate the men & women munitions workers who sacrificed their lives or their health in war service for their country.
🟡because of the 'Canaries' women whose skin turned 🟡from TNT chemicals.
#Glasgow cathedral today
@debsadelight.bsky.social
Reposted by Nina Baker
Juana Pereyra #Uruguayan civil engineer. 1920 1 of 1st women graduates @ Faculty of Engineering @ Universidad de la República as Ingeniera de Puentes y Caminos. 1 of 1st woman engineers in S America. Memb of Uruguayan Academia Nacional de Ingeniería b #OTD 8 Nov 1897 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juana_P...
November 8, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Juana Pereyra #Uruguayan civil engineer. 1920 1 of 1st women graduates @ Faculty of Engineering @ Universidad de la República as Ingeniera de Puentes y Caminos. 1 of 1st woman engineers in S America. Memb of Uruguayan Academia Nacional de Ingeniería b #OTD 8 Nov 1897 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juana_P...
Reposted by Nina Baker
Janet Bonnema US civil engineering technician went in #EisenhowerTunnel construction site #OTD 9 Nov 1972 for 1st time having previously been barred due to superstition that women underground brought bad luck. Had filed sex discrimination lawsuit to challenge this. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_B...
November 9, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Janet Bonnema US civil engineering technician went in #EisenhowerTunnel construction site #OTD 9 Nov 1972 for 1st time having previously been barred due to superstition that women underground brought bad luck. Had filed sex discrimination lawsuit to challenge this. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_B...
I remember, when I was cataloguing the Sir Bernard Spilsbury casecards, back when I was at Wellcome, he recorded possibly the earliest deaths of munitions workers from TNT poisoning: wellcomecollection.org/works/sar62dct
Index cards of pathological investigations conducted by Spilsbury
<p>These index cards contain the details of nearly 7000 pathological investigations performed by Sir Bernard Spilsbury (a large number of cases run to two or more cards). They represent an unknown pro...
wellcomecollection.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:13 PM