Arabella “Belle” Babb Mansfield (May 23, 1849-August 1, 1911) – is best known for being the first woman in the United States to pass the bar examination and the nation’s first female attorney. At the time she sat for the bar, Iowa law required applicants for bar admission to be white, male, and over the … Continue reading Arabella Babb Mansfield – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
An error that ascribes to a man what was actually the work of a woman has more lives than a cat.letter from Hertha Ayrton to the Westminster Gazette, 14 March 1909 It’s probably for the best that we don’t get to read our own obituaries. Because if Hertha Ayrton – scientist, engineer and suffragist – … Continue reading Hertha Marks Ayrton (1854-1923) – Tales from Wo-Fans Land
I first read about Dr. James Barry whilst studying with the Open University over ten years ago. I was fascinated by the story. Born around 1790 the doctor had an illustrious career, rising through the ranks of the British Army as a surgeon to become the Inspector General (equivalent of Brigadier) in charge of hospitals … Continue reading Dr. James Barry – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land
I make it no secret that the New-York Historical Society is one of my very favorite places. They consistently have fantastic exhibits that leave me breathless, in tears, and knowing more than I did when I walked through their doors. Last autumn (October 2018) I was at the museum for their Harry Potter exhibit (more … Continue reading Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow, New-York Historical Society
History Is Important 