“ IN THIS AGE OF INNOVATION, PERHAPS NO EXPERIMENT WILL

HAVE AN INFLUENCE MORE IMPORTANT ON THE CHARACTER AND HAPPINESS ON OUR SOCIETY THAN THE GRANTING

TO FEMALES THE ADVANTAGES OF A SYSTEMATIC AND THOROUGH EDUCATION.”

Sarah J. Hale

Hale’s Criticism of American Society

Hale did not believe in woman’s suffrage However, she believed women could have “secret,

silent influence” to sway men voters Believed in stereotypical gender roles (Cult of

Domesticity) Believed women could expand in ways that still

allowed them to stay in the householdHale was an abolitionist

Wanted to send all slaves to LiberiaHale was an advocate for women’s education

Especially believed in higher education

Methods to Promote Views

Through her job as an editor, she wrote many papers about women’s domestic roles Godey’s Lady’s Book

Stated woman’s primary role was in home

Northwood: Life North and South Her novel about slavery Slavery hurts everyone even the masters

Vassar College and Ladies’ Magazine Founded the college for women Wrote many articles about women’s education

Success in Reforms

Founded Vassar College Made founding of all-women’s college acceptable to

publicWas regarded as one of the most important

and influential arbiters of American tasteBecame one of the most respected editors

during her time

Interesting Facts

Hale was a very patriotic person She wanted a holiday for giving thanks Sent letter to 5 different POTUS Lincoln agreed with her suggestion and helped passed

the national holiday ThanksgivingHelped the completion of Bunker Hill

Monument

‘Merica

Lobbied for 17 years for the passing of a holiday to give thanks Wrote letters to 5 POTUS Lincoln agreed to send idea to Congress

Bunker Hill Memorial Raised $30,000 through a week-long craft fair Sold autographed letters from Washington, Madison,

and Lafayette

Lasting Impressions

ThanksgivingWomen’s CollegesPreservation of Mount VernonCompletion of Bunker’s Hill MemorialSarah Josepha Hale (Literary Award)