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.
When gold was discovered in California, individuals and families traveled west, hoping they, too, could find great riches. Generally, travel was overland by wagon train. It was a daunting, difficult […]
Traveling West in 1854: The Story of an 11-Year-Old Girl and Her Family Read More »
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
The Invention of the Fire Escape Read More »
The first giant panda brought to the United States was introduced by Ruth Harkness in 1937. Harkness wasn’t driven by a passion for pandas or an enthusiasm for exploration. Harkness
First Giant Panda Brought to U.S. by Ruth Harkness Read More »
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
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, Former Slave, Landowner, and Philanthropist Read More »
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
Trailblazer For Women in Sports: Ina Gittings Read More »
During World War II, a wife wrote a desperate plea to a man in the military whom she barely knew. She needed information about her husband, and my father and
World War II Years: A Wife’s Anguished Letter Read More »
