Read ten facts about the 1863 Proclamation, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
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.
The Bold Accomplishments of Women of Color Need to Be a Bigger Part of Suffrage History
Uncover the hidden stories of the suffrage movement from women who faced bias and marginalization during their lives and whose legacies still fight to overcome those same hurdles.
The Tale of Mabel, Millicent, and the Poet
Emily Dickinson is taught in classes nationwide and read around the world, but she wasn’t always so widely known. Read the article to learn about the lesser-known forces behind her published poetry.
Learn About America’s First Spies, the Culper Ring
Before Agent 007, there was Agent 355 and a complex network of Revolution-era spies. Read about how these spies helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War.
Ebos Landing
Enslaved people transformed the horrors of slavery into a myth of hope and freedom. Read more about the inspiration for the flying slave myth.
Martin Luther King, Jr. found inspiration in Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau inspired generations of international protesters with his essay, “Civil Disobedience.” Read how famous figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. transformed Thoreau’s words into impactful actions.
6 Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution
Most people know about George Washington and other key players of the American Revolution, but many other people contributed to the United States’ ultimate success. Read about 6 lesser-known heroes here.
The curious history of the Nobel Peace Prize
Read about the history of the Nobel Peace Prize and some of its recipients.