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 1783-1828 Building a New Nation 1820-1869 Expansions and Inequalities 1832-1877 A Nation Divided 1866–1898 Industry and Empire 1889–1920 Modernizing America 1920–1948 Confidence and Crises 1948–1977 Growth and Turmoil 1974-2018 The Information Age

Browse Highlights

Growth and Turmoil, 1948-1977

Marsha P. Johnson: Transgender Activist

Marsha P. Johnson was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. She was an activist and self-identified drag queen.

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A Nation Divided, 1832-1877

Desegregation of Public Transportation

100 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Elizabeth Jennings refused to leave a streetcar in New York City.

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Settler Colonialism, 1692-1783

Collective Action for a Revolutionary Cause

In 1774, a group of women published their intention to boycott British goods. It was the first women’s public collective political action in American history.

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Modernizing America, 1889-1920

Preserving Hispanic Heritage through Journalism and Education

Jovita Idar Juárez was a newspaper reporter and publisher who advocated for education and social services for the Hispanic community.

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Confidence and Crises, 1920-1948

What would equality under the law look like?

The Equal Rights Amendment was first presented to Congress in 1923. Controversial at the time, it continues to be debated today.

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Early Encounters, 1492-1734

Resisting Colonization and Fighting for Survival

Weetamoo was a Native American leader and warrior who fought to keep her people alive and resisted the aggression of European settlers.

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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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Growth and Turmoil, 1948-1977

Fighting for Gender Equality

Billie Jean King was a champion on and off the tennis court, fighting for pay equality and advocating for women and the LGBTQ community.

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Early Encounters, 1492-1734

STEM Connections from the Colonial Era

The first patent issued to an English colonist was for an invention created by Philadelphian inventor Sybilla Masters. It was filed under her husband’s name.

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Modernizing America, 1889-1920

When Women Lost their Citizenship

This newspaper article challenges the Expatriation Act, a policy that linked a woman’s citizenship to her husband’s upon marriage.

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