Defining Their Sphere

The “Defining Their Sphere” video series explores the many facets of the women’s rights movement in Boston. Although the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 gave women the right to vote, generations of women before and after this moment shaped women’s participation in the public sphere. These pioneers used their voices to combat injustice, to affect change in their communities, and to inspire future generations.

Join staff and rangers from the National Parks of Boston as they feature the stories of the many activists and organizations involved in the continuing march towards equality.

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Sarah Josepha Hale

  Join Ranger Polly as she draws on primary sources to share a hypothetical day in the life of Sarah Josepha Hale, mother and editor of the popular 19th century publication "Ladies’ Magazine."

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 50 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Margaret Fuller

  Join Ranger Nadia as she talks about Margaret Fuller, a journalist and writer who influenced the early women's rights movement.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 9 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society

  Join Ranger Amelia as she introduces the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society, an abolitionist organization that laid the foundation for women’s entry into political activism.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 1 second

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Harriot K. Hunt

  Join SCA Public History intern Katie as she shares the tenacity of Harriot K. Hunt, a physician and early women's rights activist.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 39 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: The United States Sanitary Commission

  Join Ranger Gabby as she explains the role of the United States Sanitary Commission in paving the way for women’s engagement in public reform movements.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 6 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: First National Conference of Colored Women of America

  Join Ranger Sherry as she recounts the groundbreaking First National Conference of Colored Women of America, organized by Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin and the Woman's Era Club of Boston.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 6 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Taking Suffrage to the Streets

  Join SCA Public History Intern Megan as she explores the ways in which Boston suffragists brought their cause directly to the people in the final decades of the fight for the vote.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 51 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Bostonians React to the 19th Amendment

  Listen to the words of Boston suffragists as they celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment and reflect on the generations-long struggle to win the right to vote.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 26 seconds

 

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  Defining Their Sphere: Dr. Melnea Cass

  Join Ranger Mia as she highlights the contributions of community activist Dr. Melnea Cass, who devoted her life to serving Boston's most vulnerable residents throughout the twentieth century and proved the potency of Black women's activism.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 5 seconds

 

Guiding Questions

1. What cause(s) inspired this person/group of people?
2. How did this person or group advocate for their cause(s)?
3. What can we learn from their experience?
4. Why is it important to remember this individual, or group, and their work?
5. How did this person or group “Define Their Sphere?”
6. In what ways do you define your own sphere?