History of Ava Helen Pauling in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2026

Ava Helen Pauling was a prominent American human rights activist deeply involved in social movements advocating for women's rights, racial equality, and international peace. She played a crucial role in influencing her husband, Linus Pauling, to become involved in activism, particularly in the movement for nuclear disarmament. Her dedication to social justice and peace made her a significant figure in the 20th century, leaving a legacy of activism and advocacy for a more equitable and peaceful world.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education

December 24, 1903: Ava Helen Pauling's birth

Ava Helen Pauling, born Ava Helen Miller, was born on December 24, 1903.

Others born on this day/year

May 1918: Graduation from Salem High School

In May 1918, Ava Helen graduated from Salem High School. She had enrolled three years prior. Following graduation, she enrolled at Oregon State University.

1922: Meeting Linus Pauling

In 1922, Ava Helen Miller met Linus Pauling at Oregon State University where he was her chemistry professor. The two soon began a courtship.

June 17, 1923: Marriage to Linus Pauling

On June 17, 1923, Ava Helen Miller married Linus Pauling after a brief courtship. They met at Oregon State University where he taught her chemistry.

1925: Birth of Linus Carl Pauling Jr.

In 1925, Ava Helen Pauling and Linus Pauling welcomed their first child, Linus Carl Pauling Jr.

1931: Birth of Peter Jeffress Pauling

In 1931, Ava Helen Pauling and Linus Pauling welcomed their second child, Peter Jeffress Pauling.

1932: Birth of Linda Helen Pauling

In 1932, Ava Helen Pauling and Linus Pauling welcomed their third child, Linda Helen Pauling.

1937: Birth of Edward Crellin Pauling

In 1937, Ava Helen Pauling and Linus Pauling welcomed their fourth child, Edward Crellin Pauling.

1940: Linus Pauling's first political speech

In 1940, influenced by Ava Helen's advocacy for the Union Now movement, Linus Pauling gave his first political speech. He urged his audience to consider Union Now, marking the beginning of his career as a public proponent of peace and human rights.

December 7, 1941: Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States government proposed internment camps for West Coast Japanese and Japanese Americans. Ava Helen Pauling opposed this decision by joining the ACLU and raising awareness. The Pauling family faced criticism for supporting Japanese-American rights during World War II.

1958: Petition to the United Nations

In 1958, Ava Helen Pauling and Linus Pauling presented the United Nations with a petition, which contained over 9,000 signatures from scientists worldwide, demanding an end to atmospheric nuclear weapons testing.

1962: Linus Pauling receives Nobel Peace Prize

In 1962, Linus Pauling received the Nobel Peace Prize, credited to Ava Helen Pauling's influence in introducing him to peace studies. She supported ending nuclear proliferation and advocated for stopping nuclear arms production and use.

1963: Partial Test Ban Treaty

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev signed the Partial Test Ban Treaty. This signing directly resulted in Linus Pauling's receipt of the 1962 Nobel Peace Prize, his second unshared Nobel Prize.

1977: Ava Helen Pauling Interview on Nova

In 1977, Ava Helen Pauling gave an interview which aired on the Nova TV series.

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December 7, 1981: Ava Helen Pauling's death

Ava Helen Pauling died on December 7, 1981. She was an American human rights activist involved in various social movements.

1982: Establishment of the Ava Helen Pauling Lectureship on World Peace

In 1982, Oregon State University's College of Liberal Arts established the Ava Helen Pauling Lectureship on World Peace, now known as the Pauling Peace Lectureship. The inaugural lecturer was Linus Pauling.

1996: Establishment of the Ava Helen Pauling Chair

In 1996, the Linus Pauling Institute honored Ava Helen Pauling with an endowed position, the Ava Helen Pauling Chair.

1997: Death of Edward Crellin Pauling

In 1997, Edward Crellin Pauling, son of Ava Helen and Linus Pauling, died.

2003: Death of Peter Jeffress Pauling

In 2003, Peter Jeffress Pauling, son of Ava Helen and Linus Pauling, died.

2006: Publication of the Pauling Catalogue

In 2006, Oregon State University Press published a detailed bibliography listing Ava Helen Pauling's published works; in a five volume series titled The Pauling Catalogue, Volume III contains "writings by Ava Helen Pauling on issues of peace, civil liberties and women's rights."