Henriette Skram (September 28, 1841 – November 10, 1929) was a prominent Danish educator and long-time leader of
Natalie Zahle's School in Copenhagen.Partner Natalie Zahle
Queer Places:
N. Zahle's School, Nørre Voldgade 5, 1358 København, Denmark
Garnisons Kirkegård, Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 10, 2100 København, Denmark
Henriette Skram (September 28, 1841 – November 10, 1929) was a prominent Danish educator and long-time leader of
Natalie Zahle's School in Copenhagen.
Born in Copenhagen to railway director Johan Christian Gustav Skram and Ida Johanne Hoë, Henriette grew up in an intellectually active, upper-class household. Following her parents' divorce in 1857, she developed a preference for stable family environments.
Her professional life was almost entirely defined by her involvement with N. Zahle's School, which she first joined as a pupil in 1853. Her career trajectory included:
After leaving school at age 16, she passed the private teacher's examination in 1859 and the head of school examination in 1866.
She became a core educator at N. Zahle's School, specializing in English and history. She was highly regarded for her communication skills and even published an English textbook, Engelsk Læsebog, in 1871.
She took on increasing administrative roles, eventually becoming the school's principal in 1900 following the retirement of the school’s founder, Natalie Zahle.
Skram was a staunch advocate for girls' education. She championed the 1905 specialized teaching examination for girls' schools and the 1907 girls' school examination. She was also instrumental in influencing legislation (such as the 1903 educational reforms) that advocated for a higher preparatory exam age limit for girls compared to boys, arguing that girls' schools required a unique pedagogical approach distinct from boys' institutions.
Henriette Skram and Natalie Zahle shared a deep, life-long professional and personal bond.
In 1860, at age 19, Skram moved into Natalie Zahle's home as her foster daughter. This move cemented a close personal connection that lasted until Zahle's death.
Skram was Zahle's loyal companion and successor. She was often described as Zahle's "spiritual daughter" and the heir to her school's traditions.
Skram's commitment to the school and to Zahle was profound; she once declared that they "belonged together" and dedicated her life to "serving" Zahle and her vision for education.
In 1914, Skram authored a biography of Natalie Zahle. While the work was significant, it was noted that as a biographer, Skram may have been too close to her subject to maintain complete objectivity, and the work was influenced by Zahle’s own after-the-fact rationalizations of her life's work.
Henriette Skram retired in 1913 at the age of 72 to focus on writing and lecturing. In 1921, she was awarded the Gold Medal of Merit. She died in 1929 and is buried in the Garrison Cemetery in Copenhagen.
References:
 Sapphistries: A Global History of Love between Women (Intersections, 15) Paperback – January 28, 2011 by Leila J. Rupp |
Other references:
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