This day in American history marks some significant moments for women.

Not all moments in history are recorded with a major holiday. Some moments are the little bits that bring a major moment full circle. If you've been hanging out with me, you know the mission of this blog is about creating joy and understanding through people, places, and so forth.

RELATED: Click here to read about the mission statement I've created for this blog.

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August crepe myrtle in Colonial Williamsburg

Three significant moments in time for women in American history, all on August 26th.

1) Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed Tennessee's ratification of women's suffrage.

In actuality it took over two years for women's suffrage to be finalized. The 19th amendment started with passage in the United States House of Representatives in January of 1918.

In June of 1919, the Senate approved it. Being an amendment to the Constitution, it had to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. (Click here to open the ratification process in a new tab.)

August 18, 1920, marks the date Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, giving it the three-fourths majority of state ratification. The packet of documents arrived in D.C. and on August 26th, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby made the 19th amendment official.

Woodrow Wilson was President and his wife Edith was with him to greet Carrie Chapman Catt, head of the National American Suffrage Association at the White House on that day.

Click here to read more on the History Channel's website.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, Staunton, Virginia

2 and 3) Two women who made history share August 26th as a birthday.

Katharine Johnson, born on August 26, 1918.

Am I the only one that never heard about NASA's Katharine Johnson before the movie Hidden Figures hit the screen?

I admit it, although the book the movie was based upon had been out, and history was made by this incredible mathematician and computer scientist, I had no idea of her impact.

As mentioned above, my mission with this blog includes people- I hope I can shed light into our shared past by dropping their names and offering up the opportunity to dig deeper.

Katharine Johnson's contribution to the American space program (and its successes) during an era of exploration was foundational to our current understanding of what's "out there."

Starting life in West Virginia and moving east into Virginia, she brought her mathematical brilliance to Virginia's Langley Research Center in the 1950s. This began her journey into what would become NASA. Her work was critical to the Apollo Moon landing and the creation of the space shuttle program.

Click here to open the website dedicated to Katharine Johnson's legacy in a new tab.

NASA flag, Wallops Island



Geraldine Ferraro, born on August 26, 1935.

I was barely into my teens when Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to run on a major party ticket for the role of United States Vice-President. Maybe this is a credit to my mom and dad, but I didn't see the fact she was a woman being significant.

Why is that a credit? I didn't see gender. I saw a candidate. But in reality, her nomination to the Democratic ticket alongside Walter Mondale was truly historic.

Although Mondale was beat by George Herbert Walker Bush, the way was paved officially at the national level- a woman had been front and center alongside a man, and in my humble opinion, that's worth noting.

Click here to open Smithsonian Magazine's detailed article about Geraldine Ferraro's life and career.

Flowers in Colonial Williamsburg

Resources to dig deeper on the stories of women in American history.

Related posts on this blog.

If you're interested in seeing a few more posts featuring women in American history use the links below.

• Abigail Adams, avid letter-writer. Click here.
• Phillis Wheatley, poetess. Click here.
• Elizabeth Keckley, 19th century dressmaker. Click here.

Use the ExploreHere app.

Go find history!

Click here to download the ExploreHere app which takes you directly to historical markers. I have the Pro version--- and you can search for markers sharing specific history, including specific women you may want to know more about.

If you read this post about the history I found at the Palm Desert Historical Society while visiting my parents, you know I found Dr. June McCarroll's historical marker in the Coachella Valley using it.

Dr. June McCarroll historical marker, Coachella Valley

Closing words from history.

Remember the ladies. Famous words marking Abigail Adams' political advice. In context, she was writing her husband John about what comes next if Independence should be declared. Excerpt of her now-famous letter below. Click here to read it in full with citations, on the Founders' Archives website.

Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1776

(letter continues)

I long to hear that you have declared an independancy—and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.



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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.