Women & the American Story (WAMS) is a free curriculum website from the New-York Historical Society. WAMS connects educators with classroom resources that illuminate diverse women’s contributions to the American past.

Explore the Units

1492–1734 Early Encounters 1692-1783 Settler Colonialism and the Revolution 1776-1831 Building a New Nation 1820-1869 Expansions and Inequalities 1832-1877 A Nation Divided 1866–1904 Industry and Empire 1889–1920 Modernizing America 1920–1948 Confidence and Crises 1948–1977 Growth and Turmoil 1974-2018 The Information Age

Browse Highlights

Early Encounters, 1492-1734

Daughters of the King

The Filles du Roi moved to New France to marry eligible colonists in exchange for free passage and a small dowry.

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Industry and Empire, 1866-1904

Edmonia Lewis: Sculptor and Activist

Edmonia Lewis was a Black and Indigenous sculptor who built a successful career through activist art.

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Building a New Nation, 1776-1831

Women’s Suffrage Experiment

In 1776, New Jersey granted the right to vote to any person who lived in the state and owned property worth at least 50 pounds.

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Confidence and Crises, 1920-1948

Anna May Wong: Movie Star

Anna May Wong achieved international fame as a film actor despite racism and stereotyping.

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Growth and Turmoil, 1948-1977

An Educator Organizes for the Puerto Rican Community

Antonia Pantoja was an educator and social worker who advanced educational opportunities for New York’s Puerto Rican community.

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Settler Colonialism and the American Revolution, 1692-1783

Fashionable Rebellion

Free Black women in Spanish Louisiana turned an oppressive law into a celebration of individuality and culture.

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Modernizing America, 1889-1920

Fighting for the Rights of Native People

Zitkala-Sa was an activist and composer who fought tirelessly for Native American rights and citizenship.

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A Nation Divided, 1832-1877

An Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Advocate Fights for Social Justice

Sojourner Truth took her freedom in 1828 and became a vocal fighter for abolition and women’s rights, traveling the country to share her story.

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