In honor of this year’s theme for Women’s History Month, I created an online exhibition representing a few amazing and persistent women whose works and writings comprise the small yet significant (persistent!) women’s archives here. In making my selections, I reflected that to be women making their way in the world, even into the 20th century, took persistence and courage! Some of the women in the exhibition are exemplary for their accomplishments despite cultural, physical or racial impediments. However, I discovered that there are also those who boldly sought challenges and voluntarily put themselves in the line of fire. These women were the entrepreneurs and pioneers who owned businesses, challenged government, founded hospitals and schools for the underprivileged, and explored hazardous terrain.
You are invited to discover more about these women by visiting the online exhibition.
More information about women’s manuscripts collections is available in this research guide.
--Lisette Matano, Manuscripts Archivist
March 7, 2018
Helen Keller. Photograph, dated 1938. Credit: Haas, N.Y.
Lisa Sergio papers GTMGamms172, 14:58
Helen Keller. Signed autograph note, no date.
John S. Mayfield papers, autograph series, GTM830101a, 3:34