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.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
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.
5 Founding Fathers Whose Finances Shaped the American Revolution
These Founding Fathers not only dedicated their lives and careers to the American Revolution, but also a fair amount of money. Check out this History article to find out more.
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.
The battle of Yorktown: Historic victory or tragic memory?
The Battle of Yorktown was a victory for American forces, but not everyone was celebrating.
America’s Gilded Age led by ‘forgettable presidents’ in post-Civil War era
While the Gilded Age is remembered by many, the time period’s presidents are often overlooked. Read about them here.
What turned the Wright brothers into pioneers of flight? Their library.
Gavin Weightman, author of Eureka: How Invention Happens, explains that like some other notable inventors, the Wright Brothers built a large library and taught themselves much of what they knew.
Anne Frank: Her Life, Her Diary, Her Legacy
View and read this photo gallery for a timeline of Anne Frank’s life and the historic events that shaped it.
Why did Gandhi march 240 miles for salt?
Salt may seem like a small thing to spark a revolution, but it’s crucial to human health. Learn more about why the Indian people rose up against English rule over the regulation of salt.
Meet the Hero: Ralph Lazo
Ralph Lazo, a Mexican American, recognized the injustice of Japanese internment during World War II. He voluntarily stood in solidarity with his Japanese friends in their internment camp, leaving a legacy of bravery.
Between Two Worlds: Black Women and the Fight for Voting Rights
Read this article to learn about the efforts of Black women like Ida B. Wells, who worked hard to secure the right to vote for all Americans, regardless of their race or gender.