"A unique, panoramic look at women's history in the United States through the lens of ordinary objects from, by, and for extraordinary women. Featuring more than 280 artifacts from 16 Smithsonian museums and archives, and more than 135 essays from 95 Smithsonian authors, this book tells women's history as only the Smithsonian can."--

This work offers readers an opportunity to examine the establishment, growth, and evolution of slavery in the United States as it impacted women, including those enslaved and free, African American and white, wealthy and poor, northern and southern. The primary documents, including newspaper articles, broadsides, cartoons, pamphlets, speeches, photographs, memoirs, and editorials, are organized thematically and represent cultural, political, religious,...

"American Women Speak gives voice to potent female speakers of the past as well as to activists, witnesses, and leaders of our own time"--

Contains articles on fashion and style, household workers, images of women, jazz and blues, maternity homes, Native American women, Phillis Wheatley, homes, picture brides, single women, and teaching.

"This text follows the history of women in the United States from 1600 through the present day."--Provided by publisher