Fifteen Women: Life and Legacy
Purpose
Though not as widely acknowledged as men, women played a vital role in shaping our history.
Why These Fifteen?
Jeannette Rankin- first woman to serve in Congress, only member of Congress to vote against U.S. entry into both World War I and World War II
Georgia O'Keeffe- renowned modernist artist who defied convention in her works
Judith Sargent Murray- philosopher, essayist, poet, argued for female education and equality, first to publicly claim female equality
Abigail Adams- wife of John Adams, First Lady, argued for female education and equality
Sacagawea- only female in Lewis and Clark expedition, interpreter, guide
Dolley Madison- wife of James Madison, First Lady
Dorothea Dix- leader of asylum, penal, and almshouse reform
Louisa May Alcott- nurse, poet, writer, author of Little Women
Catherine Beecher- leader of educational reform
Harriet Tubman- abolitionist, freed about 300 slaves through Underground Railroad
Angelina Grimke- abolitionist, suffragist
Mae Jemison- first African American woman in space
Elizabeth Blackwell- first woman doctor
Madam C.J. Walker- first self made female millionaire
Rachel Carson- founder of modern environmental movement
