Read about how 1776, a musical about the founding fathers, takes on a modern and thought-provoking twist through its most diverse cast to date.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
‘Queen of Salsa’ has her own US quarter
Celia Cruz, a Cuban American Salsa legend, continues to make her mark on American History.
Barbara Johns: The US’ forgotten civil rights hero
In 1951, 16-year-old Barbara Johns found herself in the middle of the fight to end segregation in American schools, an effort she compared to “reaching for the moon.”
Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Lake’
Many people know Edgar Allen Poe for his short stories, but did you know he was a poet, as well? Many of his poems play with the same themes as his stories, including one he dedicated to an unknown person and that scholars believe was written about a real-life haunted lake…
A century after Harriet Tubman died, scholars try to separate fact from fiction
Harriet Tubman has long been a legend in the fight to abolish slavery in the United States. Recently, scholars have begun to take a closer look at what we think we know about the woman behind the legend.
Jack London Biography
In this biography, learn how Jack London’s adventurous life inspired his novels and stories.
The Declaration of Independence Was Also a List of Grievances
Learn about how the grievances of King George III were used to justify the American Revolution and win French support throughout the war.
The (Still) Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Poe’s death is an unsolved mystery. This article present nine theories for the demise of this famous American writer.
Abigail Adams Biography
Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, served as an unofficial advisor to the second president of the United States. She also fought for the right of married women to own personal property.
Muckraking Journalist Jacob Riis and Gilded Age New York City
This lecture by Professor Daniel Czitrom from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts gives an overview of Jacob Riis. Watch the clips at the following marks for a look at some of Riis’s work and to get a sense of his purpose and relevance today: 20:38–25:10, 36:35–38:40, 45:02–47:35, and 50:56–52:16.
Professor Says He Has Solved a Mystery Over a Slave’s Novel
Gregg Hecimovich, a professor of English in South Carolina, may have successfully identified the woman who wrote The Bondwoman’s Narrative. The novel is thought to be the first written by an African-American woman. Until now, no one knew the author’s true identity.
Constance Baker Motley Taught the Nation How to Win Justice
Click this link to learn about the nation’s first Black female federal judge and her important contributions to the Civil Rights movement.
Anne Frank’s betrayal: Dutch publisher apologises for book
The book that claims to know the identity of Anne Frank’s betrayer is now under scrutiny. Check out this article to find out why.
In the footsteps of the women who escaped a Nazi death march
Learn about how nine remarkable women resisted Nazi occupation and escaped capture.
The 16-Year-Old Chinese Immigrant Who Helped Lead a 1912 US Suffrage March
Read about the extraordinary life of Ping-Hua Lee, who not only fought for women’s suffrage, but also the rights of fellow Chinese American immigrants.
The Tragic Myth of the Sun God’s Son
Watch the video and consider what the myth teaches us about science and nature.
Black History Month
Read about its origins and peruse the related readings and images.
6 Black Heroes of the Civil War
In honor of Black History Month, read about these six historical figures.
The Backstory: Civil rights lessons. Why we need to learn about 1961 to better understand 2021.
In the last 60 years, how much progress has been made in the Civil Rights movement? This article explains how events in 1961 are connected to the struggle for equality that continues in America today.
bell hooks, author and activist, dies aged 69
Learn about the amazing life and influential work of feminist author bell hooks as she is remembered by those she inspired most.