InfoGuides: HIST 190 American Women's History: Biographical Information

Last Updated: Mar 20, 2024 10:49 AM

Overview

Finding information on a specific individual can be challenging. While the library has several databases that provide biographical information, sometimes you have to get creative! Archives and libraries often post finding aids or research guides on their websites that you can use to get an overview of a collection, including a biographical description of an individual. The information in these finding aids can also serve as clues for where to look next.

Library resources

American National Biography This link opens in a new window
This database contains biographies on more than 18,700 American men and women written and edited by expert scholars in the field.
Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1600-2000 This link opens in a new window
This database includes historical accounts of important individuals in American women's history, as well as primary source documents.
CREDO Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference provides access to a variety of biographical resources relevant to women's history including Marquis Who Was Who in America (list of abbreviations) and Notable American Women.

The New York Times Index Topics
In addition to providing access to articles written on an individual, The New York Times (1851-present) provides detailed obituaries, which can be a valuable resource. Use this topic index to search for all content written on a specific individual.

Archive collections

ArchiveGrid
ArchiveGrid allows you to search the holdings of archives and libraries throughout the U.S. Once you identify an archive that has materials related to an individual, you can see what supporting material/information is available on their website.
Schlesinger Library Finding Aids
The Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library is the premiere library for women's history in the United States. From their site, you can search finding aids/research guides to find biographical information on individuals in the collection, as well as clues on where to look next
Bingham Center Research Guides
As with the Schlesinger Library, the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History (Duke University) provides access to detailed research guides on important women from throughout American history.