Women in History Articles

It’s no secret that women’s contributions to history haven’t always been acknowledged or celebrated. Here, we’re shining a spotlight on women in history and everything they’ve accomplished for themselves and for future generations, all while managing to make it look easy.

Let’s take a look at the women who fought for equality, from the suffragettes who tirelessly advocated for the right to vote to Harriet Tubman, who helped free hundreds of slaves via the Underground Railroad. There are also innumerable little-known women who made an impact but have been largely forgotten by the history books, such as Trota of Salerno, the 12th-century gynecologist who stood up for the importance of women’s health, and Stagecoach Mary, the first Black female postal worker who became a legend of the Wild West. We also can’t forget the innovators, from scientists and environmental advocates to groundbreaking journalists. Join us as we celebrate the women in history who have risen to the occasion and exceeded the expectations that were placed on them.

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Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926—2022

Elizabeth II died peacefully after a historic 70 years on the throne.

Amazon Warrior Women: Separating Fact From Fiction

Does the fascinating Greek legend have any basis in reality?

Wyatt’s Rebellion Nearly Upended the English Monarchy

Politician Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger sought to overthrow Mary I.

Violet Jessop: The Queen of Sinking Ships

Having survived deadly disasters at sea, she was known as "Miss Unsinkable".

Olga of Kiev: A Ruthless Ruler and Ukrainian Saint

She remains a symbol of strength and fortitude for the Ukrainian people.

What Really Happened to Amelia Earhart?

Over 80 years later, the pilot's mysterious disappearance remains unsolved.

15 Books About Fascinating First Ladies

The new Showtime series The First Lady has piqued our interest in the lives of these remarkable women.

How Martha Gellhorn Became the Only Woman to Land on Normandy Beach

The accomplished war correspondent was determined to see the action.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII

These women are fascinating figures in their own right.

The Bold Life of Nellie Bly, Journalist and Adventurer

Her many achievements include pioneering a new kind of investigative journalism.

This Female Coder Wrote the Apollo Project by Hand

Margaret Hamilton oversaw MIT's groundbreaking Software Engineering Division.

5 Cleopatra Books That Unveil the Woman Behind the Myth

Descended from a Macedonian line of rulers, Cleopatra VII was the last queen of Egypt before it fell to Caesar Augustus.

The 8 Best Drunk History Episodes

A funny, irreverent series you won't regret binging.

The Best History Books of 2021

Illuminating tales of the past you won't want to miss.

Before Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter Wanted to Study Mushrooms

The beloved children's author was deterred from a career as a mycologist.

10 Royal Women Who Also Made History as Writers

These 10 accomplished women led countries, wrote poetry, chronicled history, and made their own.