From farm girl to peace prophet

Born Mildred Lisette Norman on July 18, 1908, Peace Pilgrim grew up among a close-knit extended family on a poultry farm in Egg Harbor City, NJ. After enjoying the "flapper" era as a young woman, her inner compass slowly moved toward seeking a greater purpose. Following an unhappy marriage, she embarked on a personal transition that culminated with her hiking the 2050-mile Appalachian Trail – the first woman to do so in one season. On this journey, she had a vision that guided the rest of her life. Relinquishing her name and possessions, she stepped out in front of the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA on Jan. 1, 1953 wearing a blue tunic imprinted with her new identity: PEACE PILGRIM. For the next 28 years, she criss-crossed North America, touching many thousands of hearts, minds and lives as she walked joyfully on her pilgrimage for peace.

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