Our Women’s History Experiment, And An Opportunity

At the end of February we asked for contributions of essays highlighting the role of women in New York State History in celebration of Women’s History Month. The response was excellent and The New York History Blog published 14 pieces, many from writers who have never contributed here before. Several of those related to the Adirondacks and were also published in the online journal Adirondack Almanack.

Over the course of the month thousands of people were introduced to the stories of New York women, but we shouldn’t stop here. I’m hoping readers will see this as an opportunity to bring forth their own stories about the role of women in the history of New York. Whatever aspect of history you are interested in, women played a role. Take the time to let us know about that history by contributing, not just in March, but throughout the year. Here’s how.

I’ve provided links to the stories and editorial commentary below:

North country historian and regular weekly contributor Larry Gooley contributed three pieces (1, 2, 3) on Helen Redman, a star of late 19th and early 20 century theatre from Port Henry, on Lake Champlain.

Regular contributor David Fiske, who has been busy at work promoting his book on Solomon Northup, contributed a piece about early 20th century dancer, costume designer and cabaret producer Madame Sherri.

Barbara J. Niss, Director of Archives & Records Management at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was a first time contributor to The New York History Blog. She wrote about noted microbiologist Charlotte Friend, who made inroads in cancer research and for women in science.

First time contributors George Bryjak took on The Cult of True Womanhood and Rev. Michael Barnett covered Margaret Fuller, transcendentalist and women’s rights advocate. Bruce Dudley wrote about Frances Perkins, who as Secretary of Labor under FDR was the first female cabinet member. Regular contributor Herb Hallas offered a look at married women as wage slaves in 1860.

Author Sandra Weber contributed her first piece at The New York History Blog on the two Mrs. Boissevains, Inez Milholland and Edna St. Vincent Millay, both wives of Eugen Boissevain and staunch champions of women’s rights.  Sandra Weber also came forward with an Adirondack story about Kate Field, late nineteenth century Adirondack advocate, avid hiker, and lecturer. Sandra Weber’s was one of several stories that considered notable women in environmental history.

First time contributor Ellen Apperson Brown contributed some new research on the role several women played in protecting Lake George and the New York State Forest Preserve in the early 20th century. Regular contributor Anthony F. Hall, publisher and editor of the Lake George Mirror, sent along a piece written by his late father Robert F. Hall about the remarkable accomplishments of Lake George Historical Society President Winnie LaRose.

One final contribution about Adirondack women came from noted Adirondack historian (and first time contributor here) Glenn Pearsall. He wrote about reporter and poet Jeanne Robert Foster and also Mary Perkins of Indian Lake, who was ostracized as the wife of lumber baron Jones Ordway.

Thanks to everyone who contributed essays, those who sent encouragement, and our regular readers and financial contributors who made it possible!

If you enjoy The New York History Blog, find it useful, or want to encourage more promotion of women’s history in New York State please become a recurring contributor – or just make a one-time contribution at our Rally.org page. The New York History Blog needs your support to keep operating. Take a minute and make a contribution now.