Women & the American Story (WAMS) is a free curriculum website from the New-York Historical Society. WAMS connects educators with classroom resources that illuminate diverse women’s contributions to the American past.
Explore the Units
1492–1734
Early Encounters
1692-1783
Settler Colonialism and the Revolution
1776-1831
Building a New Nation
1820-1869
Expansions and Inequalities
1832-1877
A Nation Divided
1866–1904
Industry and Empire
1889–1920
Modernizing America
1920–1948
Confidence and Crises
1948–1977
Growth and Turmoil
1977–2001
End of the Twentieth Century
Browse Highlights
Early Encounters, 1492–1734
Daughters of the King
The Filles du Roi moved to New France to marry eligible colonists in exchange for free passage and a small dowry.
Settler Colonialism and the Revolution, 1692-1783
Building a New Nation, 1776-1831
Expansions and Inequalities, 1820-1869
Industry and Empire, 1866–1904
Modernizing America, 1889–1920
Confidence and Crises, 1920–1948
Growth and Turmoil, 1948–1977
End of the Twentieth Century, 1977–2001
Video Library
Bring WAMS to life using short animated videos based on inspiring women’s stories and key themes. Find more in the Video Library.
New Netherland, How Two New Amsterdam Women Prevented a Colonial War
Learn about Lydia de Meyer and Hillegond van Ruyven, two women who opened negotiations with English invaders in 1664 to facilitate the surrender of New Netherland.
New Netherland, How Two New Amsterdam Women Prevented a Colonial War
Learn about Lydia de Meyer and Hillegond van Ruyven, two women who opened negotiations with English invaders in 1664 to facilitate the surrender of New Netherland.
New Netherland, How Two New Amsterdam Women Prevented a Colonial War
Learn about Lydia de Meyer and Hillegond van Ruyven, two women who opened negotiations with English invaders in 1664 to facilitate the surrender of New Netherland.
