It has been argued, notably by proponents of feminism, that the achievements of women were insufficiently represented in works of history up through the twentieth century. Thus, efforts in women's studies and in history generally have been made recently to draw attention to women whose achievements were notable enough for them to be considered historically significant figures.
Short Video of Women's Rights History in the 20th Century
Women rulers, consorts, heads of state
Hatshepsut of Egypt (Egypt)
Arsinoe II of Egypt (Egypt)
Cleopatra VII of Egypt (Egypt)
Boudicca (England)
Zenobia (Palmyra)
Theodora, Empress of Byzantium
Melisende (Jerusalem)
Isabella of Spain
Eleonora di Arborea (Sardinia)
Eleanor of Aquitaine (France)
Margaret I of Denmark and Norway
Catherine de Medici (France)
Mary I of England (England) - (Bloody Mary)
Mary, Queen of Scots (Scotland)
Anne of Austria (France)
Maria Theresa of Austria (Austria)
Anna I of Russia (Anna I) (Russia)
Catherine I of Russia (Russia)
Catherine II of Russia (Russia) - (Catherine the Great)
To learn more about famous women in history - Use these online
Internet resources
Internet Women's History Sourcebook
- This sourcebook attempts to present online documents and secondary discussions which reflect the various ways of looking at the history of women within broadly defined historical periods and areas. Includes ancient, medieval and modern.
Stories of the 2nd wave of the Women's Rights Movement
Astronaut Jerrie Cobb - Jerrie Cobb was one of the Mercury 13, our first female astronauts, who never flew in space.
Berkshire Conference on the History of Women - Formed in response to women academics' sense of professional isolation in the early decades of the 20th century. The Berkshire group invites all women professionally engaged in history, pursuing graduate study in history, or dedicated to historical inquiry to participate in their activities.
Brave women of Oceania - Dedicated to women of the South Pacific area who have served history. Women at war and serving peace in Oceania have remained largely undocumented. This page sets out to redress the balance and links to their history and their works.
American Women's History: A Research Guide - Over 2100 citations to Internet and print sources (digital collections of primary sources, archival collections, bibliographies.
Elizabeth I - Quotes and writing by QE and a biography and articles by more recent writers.
The Emancipationof Women: 1750-1920 - bounty of information on British suffragists and their organizations, including biographies with portraits, databases of primary sources, and bibliography
Emma Goldman PapersProject - An early advocate of free speech, women's equality and independence, birth control, and union organization.
Female Explorers - Articles, book reviews and research guides about Female Explorers - adventurous women who've dared to explore their world.
Femme's Musings - This page started out as a tribute to Queen Boudica and grew from there.
Forest Women Links - Links to pages about historical, athletic, or mystical women.
Friends of Women's Rights National Park - Women's history from First Woman's Rights Convention; includes suffrage movment, right to vote, modern feminism. Describes the Friends' programs.
GenderGap - Information about women in government including state government, politics, political races, the military and women throughout military history.
Gráinne Ní Mháille - The pirate queen of Connaught, a woman who stood against England and Queen Elizabeth.
History of European Women - Scholarly and non-scholarly articles, book reviews, bibliographies, historiography and annoted links about European women's history.
House of Rhetoric - Biographies of famous courtesans who became rhetoricians. From Aspasia of Miletus to present day women in communication.
H-Women Discussion Network - A lively discussion list for scholars and anyone interested in women's history. You can do a keyword search of the archives, and get subscription information at their web site.
100 Important Women in History - Brief biographies and pictures. Created as a Girl Scout Gold Award Project. "A site featuring pictures and information about women from different time periods in history and from different races and nationalities as well."
Women Pioneers & Trailblazers - Women have added to human knowledge and skill in every field, from the arts and humanities to aviation, sports, science, and government. Biographies of some of the prominent women who broke new ground in women's endeavors in selected areas are listed.
LadiesMemoryCircle - A mailing list for women who enjoy the study of history and who would like to share their findings and resources with one another.
Lesbian Herstory Archives - Home to the world's largest collection of materials by and about lesbians and their communities.
Lesley Hall's Web Page - History of gender and sexuality, feminist science fiction and fantasy, women and medicine, British feminist radical Stella Browne, and a women's history walk round Bloomsbury (UK).
MakingIt Their Own: Women in the West - Women in the American West: biographies, examples of primary texts (diaries, literary works), secondary texts (critical essays, historical studies), resources (biographies, bibliographies, teaching materials), images, and teaching and study materials.
Margaret Sanger Papers Project - Biographical information about the papers of the Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) founder of the American birth control movement, and the papers documenting her life and work. Also includes information about the Sanger Project's publication of these papers in microfilm, book and electronic editions.
Matilda Joslyn Gage - Gage was a 19th century feminist theorist and activist, author, historian of women, abolitionist, and lecturer. Site includes information on her life and times, speeches, excerpts from her writings, biographies of her contemporaries.
Melisende's Women of History - Biographies of some of the fascinating women who have graced the pages of history.
The Miracle Worker - Information and resources for the study of The Miracle Worker and Helen Keller.
Notable Women Ancestors - A growing database containing biographies and genealogy data of famous and not-so-famous women submitted by actual living descendants.
Quilt History - The home of the Quilt Heritage mailing list, this page discusses all aspects of antique quilts and textiles and their makers.
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) Archive - An examination of the life of this saint, scanned images of her letters and other original manuscripts, quotations, and other items of interest.
Sophia Smith Collection of Smith College - Large collection of manuscript, print, and audio-visual material that documents the historical experience of women, primarily in the United States. Includes collection lists, lesson plans, and subject guides on individual women and special topics.
Swarthmore College Peace Collection - A research archives devoted to collecting, preserving, and making accessible, materials on non-governmental women,s efforts towards peace.
ViVa Database - The ViVa database contains bibliographic records describing more than 5500 articles published between 1975 and 2000 in 116 historical and women's studies journals.
National Women’s History Museum - founded in 1996, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women, and integrating this rich heritage fully into our nation's history. Until legislation passes in Congress designating a permanent museum in Washington, D.C., the NWHM promotes women's history through its temporary exhibits, special events, Cyber Museum, and online educational materials.
National Women's Hall of Fame - Dedicated to honoring women who have contributed significantly to the development of the country. Includes an extensive collection of biographical profiles.
Women of Theatre - Provide yous with basic information about women of theatre throughout the world prior to 1900. It is primarily focused on dramatic performances, what is sometimes referred to as “legitimate theatre,” and is not meant as a comprehensive analysis of operas, ballets, and other divertissements. Though some opera singers and an operatic performance or two may be included, the focus for that performer will be on her dramatic work.
Women In World History Curriculum - Interactive site full of information and resources about women's experiences in world history. For teachers, teenagers, parents, and history buffs.
Women Nobel Laureates - In 1903, only two years after the Nobel Foundation was established, the first Nobel Prize was awarded to a woman, Marie Curie. Women have been winning Nobel Prizes ever since. Bertha von Suttner was influential in convincing Alfred Nobel to set aside a Prize for peace.
Women's Guerilla History Project - Posters from the grassroots public art project promoting women's history & visibility. We are a group of women & girls who wish to see a more visible & public presence of women's diverse history and accomplishments.
Women's History: Articles and Links - Articles on women's history, plus annotated links to some of the best resources on the Net on the subject, in more than 30 categories. From About.com.
Encyclopedia of Women's History - Women's History: • Site index • Biographies of notable women • Women's History Encyclopedia ... Women's History Guide.
Women's History Month - Learn the history of Women's History Month at The History Channel
Women In World History Curriculum - Interactive site full of information and resources about women's experiences in world history. For teachers, teenagers, parents, and history buffs.
Women's International Center - Biographies of great women. Histories of women through art. Women in America. Living Legacy Awards.
Women Watch - UN Internet Gateway on the Advancement and Empowerment of Women
The First Women's Rights Convention - Seneca Falls - The Women's Rights Movement may have begun at Seneca Falls conference, that set the stage to gain women the right to vote, and thus acquire other freedoms.
Women's Rights Info Center Library - This site contains numerous resources discussing women’s rights, issues, and history, as well as information on contacting the Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood, NJ.
Women's Stories - Fascinating facts, little-known anecdotes, and provocative quotations about the week's famous and infamous women, all in a quick-read format with links to additional resources. New features every week!
Womynlynks - Links to sites lauding the lives and accomplishments of notable women in the fields of music, literature, television, activism, painting, and the performance arts.
World Wide Web Virtual Library: Women's History - Listing women's history institutions and organizations, locating archival and library collections, and providing links to Internet resources for women's history is the main purpose of this Virtual Library.
