Matthew Henson, an African American polar explorer, is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Read about his voyages and achievements.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
Was Jack London “the Steve Jobs of his day”?
More than a “writer of dog books,” Jack London’s other interests and contributions to society are not typically recognized. A small museum is looking to change that.
Instagram Story Aims to Engage New Generation With Holocaust
An Instagram account was produced almost like a short film and intends to bring awareness and remembrance of the experience of Jews in the Holocaust to a younger generation.
The Revolutionary Cyclist
Annie Londonderry was an important figure of the Women’s Liberation movement in the 1890s. Watch the video to separate fact from fiction.
7 Inspiring Quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson That Are Useful Today
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a man of many talents. Read some of his most famous quotes and see their modern day translations.
History of the Plymouth Colony
Read the article to learn more about how Plymouth Colony came to be and what life was like for the Pilgrims who made the journey from Europe.
‘Before India,’ A Young Gandhi Found His Calling In South Africa
In this interview, historian and writer Ramachandra Guha shares stories of Ghandi when he lived in South Africa. We learn about some of Ghandi’s early experiences with nonviolent protest.
10 Facts about the Emancipation Proclamation
Read ten facts about the 1863 Proclamation, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.
See Jewish Life Before the Holocaust Through a Newly Released Digital Archive
Russian-born Jew Roman Vishniac’s prints and negatives depicting Jewish life before the Holocaust are published for the first time in an online photo database. The hope is to gather information from the public, such as dates, locations, and identification of people from that time.
Susan B. Anthony and the Long Push for Women’s Suffrage
For almost 100 years before women gained the right to vote, suffragists fought to win that right. Watch the video to learn more about Susan B. Anthony’s role at this time.
Shakespeare in Scotland: What did the author of Macbeth know and when did he know it?
Some scholars have long maintained that someone other than William Shakespeare authored some of the Bard’s best-known works. This article explores the idea that a writer with a deeper knowledge of Scotland than Shakespeare could have had must have penned Macbeth.
Brother Outsider
Bayard Rustin was the mastermind behind the March on Washington. Watch the trailer for this PBS documentary and learn about the honors belatedly conferred on this little-known hero of the civil rights movement.
Jon Savage on his documentary “Teenage”
Jon Savage’s book “Teenage: The Creation of Youth 1875-1945” was turned into a documentary film and released in the U.S. in 2014. Because the idea of teenagers didn’t always exist, “Teenage” explores the emergence of this new stage between childhood and adulthood in the early 20th century.
Nellie Cashman – Pioneering the Mining Camps
Read about Nellie Cashman – whose bold actions led to her being a prospector in Alaska’s gold rush, a philanthropist amongst the mining community, and a legend of the old West.
The Presidential Election of 1800
Learn why this election, which is sometimes called the “Revolution of 1800,” was a milestone in the history of American politics.
The Diary of Anne Frank Introduction
Why is Anne Frank’s diary so popular, over 7 decades after it was written? What makes it different from other books written during or about the Holocaust? It turns out it’s a lot more than just a diary.
Robert Smalls: A Daring Escape
An enslaved man named Robert Smalls went undercover for one of the most daring escapes of all time. Find out how he saved himself and saved dozens of other enslaved people as well!
Bedroom 360 Exhibit
Explore a virtual exhibit of Emily Dickinson’s bedroom. Be sure to click on the information icons to learn more about the objects and surroundings in the author’s life.
13 Fascinating Facts About Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams’s letter writing is well-known, but did you know she loved dogs and hated Alexander Hamilton? Read the article to learn more about the celebrated First Lady.
Bessie Coleman, The First Female African American Pilot
Bessie Coleman defied all odds to become the first female African American pilot. She was as fearless in her personal life as she was in the air. Watch the video to learn more about her life.