Women's History

Martin Van Buren’s life was shaped by remarkable women—his wife, Hannah; his daughters-in-law, Angelica, Ellen, Elizabeth, and Henrietta; his niece, Christina Cantine; and his dear friend, Harriet Butler. These women played influential roles in his personal and political world, managing households, navigating social expectations, and leaving their own marks on history.

But while the women in Van Buren’s social circle were buzzing with activity, what about the women across the country? From the domestic sphere to the medical field, from reform movements to the frontier, women’s lives in the 19th century were as diverse as the nation itself. Explore their stories here.

Before the Rosies

Women have long been champions for change and advancement in our history.

The Fight for Women's Suffrage

On November 6, 1917, the state of New York granted women the right to vote in all municipal, state, and federal elections. Two years later, the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteed all American women the right to vote. These victories were won through hard-fought battles by generations of suffragists.