Biographies generously sponsored by Susan D. Whiting.

Biographies

American women played an active role in American history. Explore some of the lesser known and famous women who impacted our nation. New biographies are regularly added, so check back to discover new stories.

Featured Biographies

Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a prominent journalist, suffragist, activist, and researcher.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett

Known as the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low created the largest and most successful organisation for girls in the world.

Juliette Gordon Low

Nancy Hart made it her mission to rid the Georgia territory of British Loyalists.

Nancy Morgan Hart

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Biography

Abigail Smith Adams

Abigail Adams was an early advocate for women's rights.

Biography

Jane Addams

A progressive social reformer and activist, Jane Addams was on the frontline of the settlement house movement and was the first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Biography

Louisa May Alcott

Famed author Louisa May Alcott created colorful relatable characters in 19th century novels.

Biography

Maya Angelou

Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar, Maya Angelou is a world-famous author. She is best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.

Biography

Susan Brownell Anthony

Susan B. Anthony was a champion of the temperance, abolition, and suffrage movements.

Biography

Josephine Baker

World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker.

Biography

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was an American actress, pioneer in comedy, and businesswoman.

Biography

Penelope Barker

Penelope Barker organized the Edenton Tea Party, the first recorded women’s political demonstration in America.

Biography

Clara Barton

Clara Baron was an educator, humanitarian, and founder of the American Red Cross.

Biography

Daisy Bates

Bates' work with the NAACP transformed the Civil Rights Movement.

Biography

Catharine Esther Beecher

Catharine Esther Beecher was a nineteenth century teacher and writer who promoted equal access to education for women.

Biography

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the most important black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century.

Biography

Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first American woman to receive a medical degree.

Biography

Amelia Bloomer

Amelia Bloomer was a suffragist, editor, social activist, and fashion advocate who worked to change women’s clothing.

Biography

Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly was one of the most famous journalists in the United States.

Biography

Frances Bolton

US Rep Frances Bolton pursued a life of philanthropy, politics, and social reform, and was a lifelong advocate of education, healthcare, and civil rights.

Biography

Isabelle "Belle" Boyd

Isabelle “Belle” Boyd was was one of the most famous female Confederate spies, hailed by some as the “Cleopatra of Secession.”

Biography

Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she became the first African American to attend her elementary school.

Biography

Pearl Buck

Pearl S. Buck produced works of fiction and non-fiction throughout her lifetime, many of which focused on her experiences in China.

Biography

Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson catalyzed the global environmental movement with her 1962 book Silent Spring.