Read about how one dedicated voice turned the view of Florida’s Everglades from negative to positive.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
Where would we be without George Washington?
George Washington retired shortly after the American Revolution and re-emerged on the political scene several years later. In this essay, historian Edward Larson emphasizes the significance of these actions and makes a connection to modern global revolutions.
About Mark Twain
Learn about Mark Twain’s life through this collection of texts, photos, illustrations, and other media.
Discovery Leads Yale to Revise a Chapter of Its Black History
Recently found letters and documents have uncovered that Richard Henry Green, an African-American man, graduated from Yale in 1857, nearly 20 years earlier than the man who was believed to be the first African-American graduate from Yale.
Molly Shannon’s Emily Dickinson Is No Reclusive Spinster
Emily Dickinson is often thought of as a solitary figure who never intended for her poetry to be published. Click this link to read about a 2018 dramatic comedy that challenges these notions.
The Speech That Brought India to the Brink of Independence
In August of 1942, Mohandas Gandhi gave an influential speech urging Indians to stand up for their liberty. Read to learn more about India’s struggle for independence and the historical significance of Gandhi’s speech.
Why does Amelia Earhart still fascinate us?
Amelia Earhart was a pioneer and flying icon for her achievement both in the air and on the ground. Read more about society’s continued fascination with her.
Mary Wollstonecraft Biography
Feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792, advocated for the education of women.
A Free Man’s Letter to A Former Slaveowner in 1865
In 1865, former slave Jourdon Anderson was asked to return to the farm where he had been held captive for 32 years. Read this article to learn more about Anderson’s witty, sarcastic response and to read excerpts from his letter.
Annual event pays tribute to proclamation
In Beaufort, South Carolina, people come together every year to remember the day President Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation. Read this brief article to see how they celebrate.
A Poet Who Pushed (and Recycled) the Envelope
In this article, we learn about a new book, The Gorgeous Nothings, that showcases bits of poetry written on envelopes by Emily Dickinson. Be sure to enlarge the images to take a look at Dickinson’s manuscripts.
The Poisoning of King George III
For years, there has been speculation that King George III suffered from some sort of mental illness. In this article, learn about the poisoning that may have caused his symptoms.
How a Nuclear Meltdown Works
Nuclear meltdowns are very rare but dangerous. Read about how nuclear reactors work and what causes a meltdown.
An Act of Courage
Learn about the simple decision made by Rosa Parks in 1955 that helped inspire the Civil Rights movement. Scroll down to view the handwritten police report and other records from this event.
Anne Frank was captured 70 years ago today. But what if she had escaped the Nazis?
Although she died in a concentration camp when she was 15, Anne Frank’s thoughts and feelings are alive and influence many writers today. Learn about the contemporary play and the novels that are part of Anne’s legacy.
Shakespeare’s Sources for Macbeth
Where did Shakespeare get his ideas? This essay by Amanda Mabillard analyzes the sources and motivations underlying Shakespeare’s writing of The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Women Spies of the Civil War
Most people think of armies of men fighting each other during the Civil War, but women also served in various ways. Read about six female spies who worked for the Union or Confederacy.
Jefferson Davis Statue Comes Down at University of Texas
Jefferson Davis never asked for a pardon for leading the government of the Confederacy in its rebellion against the United States. Statues of the Confederate president have become increasingly controversial in recent years, including one that was removed from the campus of the University of Texas in 2015.
James Madison
James Madison played many important roles in the founding of the nation. Explore this site to learn more about his contributions.
Jacob Riis: Shedding Light On NYC’s ‘Other Half’
This segment discusses the work Jacob Riis did, the tactics he used to communicate his message, and the books others have written about him. View the images Riis took and choose a book excerpt to read.