The Invention of the Fire Escape
Fire escapes and fire stairwells remain a vital component of multi-story buildings. Even with all the advances in building materials, catastrophic fires can and do happen. And of course, in …
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.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, Former Slave, Landowner, and Philanthropist
Biddy Mason was one of the first Black landowners in Los Angeles. She was trained as a nurse midwife, saved her money, and invested carefully in land. Philanthropically, she found …
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Trailblazer For Women in Sports: Ina Gittings
Title IX–the law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any programs or activities in all federally funded educational institutions—was instrumental to bringing women into athletics. But pioneers in women’s sports …
Sacagawea: Native Americans Tell Her Story
Sacagawea’s story is everywhere. She is part of every book written about Lewis and Clark’s journey. There are many, many children’s books about her, and she is said to have …
First Native American Doctor: Susan La Flesche Picotte
During the late 19th century, Native Americans had healers within their tribes, but few white doctors would undertake the care of a Native American. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a member …
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Maggie Lena Walker, Black Businesswoman and Bank President
Maggie Lena Walker was the first Black woman in the nation or organize and run a bank. She led a fraternal organization, the Independent Order of Saint Luke. Through it, …
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