Lois Mailou Jones (1905-1998)
African-American artist who broke racial barriers
Building a successful career as an artist is a difficult challenge for anyone.
Lois Mailou Jones (1905-1998) Read More »
Inspirational Women
This section began as a celebration of March and Women’s History Month; it continues as a regular feature because there are so many unrecognized women who have made major contributions to history.
Katy Payne (1937- )
American Acoustical Biologist
A week’s observation of baby elephants at the Washington Park Zoo in Portland, Oregon led scientist Katy Payne to leave her 15-year study of the sounds of humpback whales to begin studying elephants.
Katy Payne (1937- ) Read More »
Louise A. Boyd (1887-1972)
Arctic Explorer
Louise Boyd was born into a wealthy California family but instead of using her inherited wealth to live grandly in a stately home, she used it to explore the Arctic.
Louise A. Boyd (1887-1972) Read More »
Nancy Kelsey: First Woman to Travel to California by Wagon Train
Pioneer
Nancy Kelsey was 17 years old and the mother of an infant daughter when she became the first woman to travel to California on a wagon train in a group that included her husband, their baby, and about 30 men.
Nancy Kelsey: First Woman to Travel to California by Wagon Train Read More »
Sue Hendrickson (1949- )
Deep Sea Diver and Dinosaur Hunter
Curiosity and serendipity helped Sue Hendrickson carve out an ideal life as an explorer.
Sue Hendrickson (1949- ) Read More »
Bessie Coleman, Early Pilot
First Black woman to earn an international pilot’s license Bessie Coleman (1893-1926) had limited career options as a woman and as an African American. When Bessie Coleman’s older brothers came
Bessie Coleman, Early Pilot Read More »