As if her work leading people out of slavery through the Underground Railroad weren’t amazing enough, Harriet Tubman also served a crucial military role during the Civil War.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
The Tragic Roots of America’s Favorite Cherry
Ah Bing is responsible for cultivating America’s most produced variety of cherry, but racism and the Chinese Exclusionary Act prevented him from reaping the benefits of his creation.
Ten Days in a Madhouse: The Woman Who Got Herself Committed
Nellie Bly risked injury and insanity to report on the horrible conditions of mental institutions in the late 1880s. Her undercover investigation led to public awareness and reform
Thomas Paine Biography
Learn about the life of Thomas Paine, whose writing in the 1770s argued for independence from Britain.
Emily Dickinson Was Fiercer Than You Think
Emily Dickinson is as much myth as she is person. Watch the trailer for a movie that shows her to be a spirited rebel instead of a shy recluse. However, the truth of her character may be found somewhere in the middle.
The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave, a successful conductor in the Underground Railroad, a spy, and much more. Watch the video to learn more about the incredible life of an inspiration.
Was Shakespeare Aware of the Scientific Discoveries of His Time?
While many scholars believe Shakespeare was not aware of scientific advancement in his time, a few propose places in Shakespeare’s plays that give a nod to Copernicus and Galileo.
Teaching Gandhi’s Nonviolent Principles in a Violent Time
In this interview, a youth educator at the Gandhi Institute describes how her organization applies a philosophy of principled nonviolence to its work with conflict resolution in schools.
The Real Birth of American Democracy
When American democracy was still in its infancy, it was put to the test when George Washington stepped down as president. Read about how this ultimately strengthened the nation.
Kenya and Wangari Maathai: Taking Root
This video gives an overview of the impact human rights activist and environmentalist Wangari Maathai had in Kenya.
The Man Who Warned the West about the Holocaust, at a Time When No One Would Listen
Learn about the efforts of Poland’s Jan Karski to enlist the help of world leaders to stop a genocide.
Louisa May Alcott: Abolitionist, Suffragette, and Mercenary
Although she is best known for writing the childhood classic Little Women, Louisa May Alcott was far more interested in advocating for freedom for all. Learn more about this multifaceted American author.
The Many Faces of Alexander Hamilton, Just in Time for the Fourth
Alexander Hamilton was a man of many talents, abilities, and flaws. Read the article for a deeper look into this complicated founding father.
Last Men of the Revolution
During the Civil War, when photography was a new medium, a minister and amateur historian raced to capture images of the last surviving veterans of the American Revolution.
John Muir’s legacy questioned
The work of environmentalist John Muir helped create the national parks system and preserve the natural beauty throughout the country. Now some question whether his view of nature is relevant to today’s challenges.
7 Epic Fails Brought to You by the Genuis Mind of Thomas Edison
Part of Thomas Edison’s ability to succeed came from his willingness to try things that failed. Check out the photo gallery for a slideshow of the failed inventions the article describes.
Pop Culture’s Undying Edgar Allan Poe Obsession
There’s no question that Edgar Allan Poe has made a lasting impression on American popular culture. This article uses the release of a movie about a dangerous obsession with Poe to take a look back at the author’s pop culture legacy.
The Influence of Machiavelli on Shakespeare
The Renaissance Italian writer Niccolò Machiavelli explored ideas about power in his still-controversial book The Prince. His work not only influenced political leaders, though; it also influenced the work of William Shakespeare a century later.
Emily Dickinson’s mystifying in-sight
Imagery of vision and eyes permeates Emily Dickinson’s poetry. In this article, humanities professor and physician Larry Zaroff (with Tony Chan) provides a medical rationale for one of Dickinson’s most powerful metaphors.
About the Brothers Grimm and Fairytales
Once upon a time, fairy tales weren’t for children. They weren’t even written down. Read this history to learn how much fairy tales—even the ones with which we’re most familiar—have changed over time. Be sure to follow the links to older versions of the tales, and find out for yourself!