Jone's Women's History Blog

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from medical school, and with her sister, Emily Blackwell, and Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewska operated a teaching hospital in New York. Born in England, Elizabeth Blackwell returned to her homeland and finished her career there. She's definitely someone to know if you want to be literate in women's history.

• Elizabeth Blackwell

The first Jewish Congresswoman, Bella Abzug was known for her wide-brimmed hats and fiery personality, as well as her work for feminism, peace, and civil liberties. Bella Abzug was born on July 24, 1920. Here are some of the choice words for which she was also known:

• Bella Abzug Quotes

Getty Images / Gregory Shamus
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• Did Mary Queen of Scots invent the term "caddy" in golf?
• Michelle Wei Disqualified

Recently, I heard former Washington Post columnist Colman McCarthy speak on the topic of teaching peace. During his talk, he challenged audience members on their knowledge of several well-known military generals (all men), and then on several less-well-known peace activists (women), including Nobel Peace Prize winners Emily Balch and Jody Williams. If you aren't familiar with these women -- or the others who've won the Nobel Peace Prize -- here are some resources to close that learning gap:

• Women Who Have Won the Nobel Peace Prize
• Jody Williams
• Emily Greene Balch

Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Civil War nurse, soldier (disguised as Frank Thompson), and spy. In this excerpt from her memoir, she recounts her experiences at the Battle of Bull Run (also known as First Manassas), July 21, 1861, the events leading up to the battle, and her exploits after the battle ended, returning to Washington, D.C.

• Civil War Battle from the Perspective of a Nurse

Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Lucretia Mott wrote the Declaration of Sentiments for the 1848 Woman's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York, deliberately modeling it on the Declaration of Independence. That convention was held on July 19-20, 1848. To honor the day, why not read through the actual text of the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments?

Germaine Necker de Staël was one of the best-known "women of history" to educated westerners in the 19th century, yet she's almost forgotten today. Quoted by Emerson and feared by Napoleon (who said about her, "They say that she does not speak of politics or me; but how does it happen that all who speak to her come to like me less?"), she weathered the last years of the French monarchy (Marie Antoinette didn't like her much), the French Revolution, Napoleon's rule, and a post-Napoleon France. She was especially noted for her salons and her sharp wit. Here is a brief profile of Madame de Staël plus some examples of her wit:

• Madame de Stael Quotes

Dorothy Parker was a writer and critic for such magazines as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker. She also wrote a number of screenplays, poetry, and short fiction. A founder of the Algonquin Round Table, Dorothy Parker was known for her pointed verbal wit and satire, often focused on the life of middle class young women, newly "liberated" from Victorian restrictions.

• Dorothy Parker Quotes

Getty Images / Jonathan Ferrey
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• Women of the Summer Olympics

It's nearly Summer Olympics time again! While every modern Olympics includes many women as well as men, a few women have stepped to the forefront as pioneers in women's athletics or in their particular field. Here are a few of the notable women summer Olympians, listed alphabetically. Are your favorites here?

• Women of the Summer Olympics