Mary Wollstonecraft Biography
Source: Biography
Feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792, advocated for the education of women.
Historic Figures
A Free Man’s Letter to A Former Slaveowner in 1865
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
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
Source: Carteret County News-Times
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
Source: The New York Times
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
Source: Colonial Williamsburg
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
Source: How Stuff Works
Nuclear meltdowns are very rare but dangerous. Read about how nuclear reactors work and what causes a meltdown.
An Act of Courage
Source: National Archives
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?
Source: The Washington Post
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
Source: Shakespeare Online
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
Source: Smithsonian
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.