If you have a more general question about women's history (questions such as, "how did the advent of birth control affect women's lives?" or "Where can I find biographical information about Gloria Steinem?"), then you should begin with a reference librarian, either at your school or public library. She or he will direct you to books and articles where you may find the information you seek. Even primary source material is often available in published form through your local library.

There are also many Web sites that treat general and specific topics in women's history. Here is a list of some internet resources that either provide general information on women's history or feature online primary sources:

Girls at Vietnam Moratorium, Washington Square Park, New York City, 1970 (Diana Davies Papers). Reproduced with permission from photographer Diana Davies.

Library of Congress Votes for Women

Covers the period 1848-1921, and consists of proceedings from the meetings of women's suffrage organizations, books, pamphlets, memorials, and scrapbooks that can be accessed through the Web site. The collection includes material from Carrie Chapman Catt, Susan B. Anthony, Julia Ward Howe, and others.

The Feminist Chronicles

If you are interested in the history of U.S. women from 1953 to 1993, you may wish to consult this Web site, which includes early documents from the Women's Liberation movement as well as a timeline tracking events, issues, and the activities of the opposition to the women's movement. There is also a bibliography of readings about women's history and feminist issues.

 

The National Women's History Project

Maintains a clearinghouse for U.S. women's history information. It also issues a seasonal catalog of women's history posters, books and materials; produces videos, posters, guides, and supplies for school and workplace; and conducts in-service training for school teachers.

 

The Margaret Sanger Papers Project

An on-going effort to locate, collect, identify, and publish the papers of the birth control pioneer in a comprehensive microfilm and select book edition. Based at New York University, it serves as a clearing house for U.S. and international birth control history. This site has information on topics for National History Day using the Margaret Sanger Papers.

 

Women and Social Movements

Presents student editing projects, each providing 15-20 primary documents, addressing focused topics related to women and social movements in the U.S. between 1830 and 1930.

 

Worldbook Multimedia Encyclopedia

Has compiled an on-line feature entitled "The Quest for Equality" to celebrate Women's History Month and to chronicle the rise of the women's movement. The Web site has information about the suffrage movement, modern women's movements, pioneers and trailblazers, and links to other women's history Web sites.

 

Encyclopedia Britannica's Women in American History

Web site includes biographical articles on famous women, images and multimedia displays, lesson plans, and primary documents. It also has a bibliography of readings and links to other women's history resources on the Web.

 

DoHistory

This Web site teaches the process of doing research in primary sources. It is an interactive site based on the research that went into the book and film, A Midwife's Tale, based on the 200 year old diary of midwife/healer Martha Ballard. By exploring this site, you can learn basic skills and techniques for interpreting fragments that survive from any period in history.

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