Suggestions are made for the successful incorporation of museum materials in instruction focusing on women's history in the United States. (JH)

This volume provides documentation on the origin of the women's rights movement placing the documents in a context that aims to show the rationale that blocked women from achieving full equality. The volume contains 127 fully annotated documents presented in chronological order (with a few exceptions) beginning in 1632 with colonial laws regarding…

Emma Goldman (1869-1940) is a major figure in the history of radicalism and feminism in the United States. In a period when the expression of controversial ideas was dangerous, Goldman insisted on her right to challenge convention. She was among the most prominent advocates of labor's right to organize, reproductive rights, sexual freedom, freedom…

Presents a lesson used with fourth and fifth graders focusing on women's rights in the 1880s in which students solve a mystery through historical research. States the lesson prepares elementary students to investigate historical questions by examining primary sources. (CMK)

Focuses on helping students develop historical skills in a U.S. history survey course using active learning strategies that incorporate small group work with primary sources. Describes four activities used to teach women's history: (1) visiting a museum exhibit; (2) attending a convention; (3) deciphering census data; and (4) examining political…

This collection of essays about the Presidential wives of the 20th century through Nancy Reagan. An exploration of the records of first ladies will elicit diverse insights about the historical impact of these women in their times. Interpretive theories that explain modern first ladies are still tentative and exploratory. The contention in the…

Asserts that the papers of the First Ladies should be examined in order to help people understand the past. Illustrates the role of the First Ladies and argues for the importance of their papers by discussing Eleanor Roosevelt's work and influence. (CMK)

Discusses the role of white and Indian women in the history of the U.S. western frontier and lists 35 print and video resources for middle schools and secondary schools. Topics addressed include the omission of women's experiences in history; documents on the female experience; using video effectively; and developing the curriculum. (10…

This lesson traces the use of Eleanor Roosevelt's retreat, Val-Kill, a "shack" (actually a stone cottage) built in 1925 on the grounds of the Roosevelt family estate at Hyde Park (New York), and how it nurtured her spirit, personal style, and humanitarian efforts. The lesson explains that Eleanor and her women friends later expanded the…

This lesson is based on the National Historic Landmark files, "Madame C. J. Walker Building" and "J. C. Penney Historic District," as well as other relevant sources. The lesson first discusses the Indianapolis (Indiana) site of Madame Walker's cosmetics business. The building is a 4-story brick structure completed in 1927.…

Uses the text of the Declaration of Sentiments, written at the 1848 women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. Familiarizes students with key personalities and organizations in the women's movement and illustrates the significance of the history of women's rights. Provides discussion questions and related activities. (LS)

In the mid-19th century people believed religious, moral, social, or political perfection was obtainable, not unlike Mrs. Amelia Bloomer. Bloomer's battles reflected and influenced gender roles in the 19th century as the United States debated social reforms and constitutional rights, such as the right to petition and the right to vote, among…

Using primary source documents, this teaching unit focuses on changing women's roles, growing awareness of gender inequities, and activist responses to these conditions in the United States between 1820 and 1860. Teacher background materials include a unit overview, correlation to National Standards for United States History, unit objectives, a…

Presents a lesson plan built around the life and career of Anna Kingsley. Kingsley was an African slave who married her former owner, acquired freedom, and became a prosperous businesswoman and landowner in the Spanish colonial territory of Florida. Includes reproductions of primary source documents. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan using material from a primary source-based curriculum kit titled "The World of Barilla Taylor." The kit uses personal letters, maps, hospital and work records, and other primary sources to document the life of a young woman working in the textile mills in 19th-century Massachusetts. (MJP)