Stitching History: Grace Wisher’s Hidden Legacy

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Dec 15, 2024 | African American History, Women's History Wednesday

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Grace Wisher, an often overlooked figure, played a vital role in creating the Star-Spangled Banner. Born in the early 19th century in Baltimore, Grace’s story intertwines with turbulent times. She was a free African American girl who showcased resilience and the silent contributions of many like her. As a young girl, she dedicated her skills to a significant project. This project became a symbol of American pride and resilience. Despite a lack of recognition during her lifetime, Grace’s legacy deserves celebration. This post explores the lasting impact Grace left on American history.

Early Life of Grace Wisher

At around 13 years old, Grace’s mother bound her daughter into service to help with family expenses. She also hoped it would provide Grace with a better future. Limited economic opportunities for free African American women in Baltimore at the time made an apprenticeship a valuable chance to learn essential skills. Grace mastered housework and plain sewing during her apprenticeship, boosting her personal and professional development.

The Role of Apprenticeship

Grace served as an indentured apprentice to Mary Pickersgill, a flag-maker. Mary was commissioned to create two flags for Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. They crafted a 30 x 42-foot garrison flag and a 17 x 25-foot storm flag for inclement weather. Mary’s daughter Caroline (thirteen) and her nieces Eliza Young (thirteen) and Margaret Young (fifteen) assisted her and Grace with making the flag.

Sewing the Star-Spangled Banner

Grace served as an indentured apprentice to Mary Pickersgill, a flag-maker commissioned to create two flags for Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. They crafted a 30 x 42-foot garrison flag and a 17 x 25-foot storm flag for inclement weather. Mary’s thirteen-year-old daughter Caroline and her nieces Eliza Young (thirteen) and Margaret Young (fifteen) assisted her and Grace with making the flag.

Challenges and Unrecognized Contributions

During her time, people did not recognize Grace Wisher for her work on the Star-Spangled Banner. While Mary Pickersgill and her family received credit, Grace’s contributions went largely unnoticed. Her work remained relatively unknown in historical records. After completing her apprenticeship, Grace likely continued working in domestic service or sewing. These were common occupations for free African American women in Baltimore at the time. However, specific details of her later life and contributions remain undocumented.

Legacy and Modern Recognition

Efforts to acknowledge and honor Grace’s role in creating the iconic flag have only emerged in recent years. Her involvement in making the Star-Spangled Banner connects her to a pivotal moment in American and African American history. To learn about Grace Wisher, click here.

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Julia Amanda Perry: A Symphony of Success

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Dec 3, 2024 | African American History, Women's History Wednesday

Julia Amanda Perry was born on March 25, 1924, in Lexington, Kentucky to Dr. Abraham Murphy Perry and America Lois Heath Perry. Julia was the fourth of five daughters in the family. She enjoyed a musical and supportive early childhood. Her father, Dr. Abraham Murphy Perry, worked as a physician and played the piano as an amateur, while her mother, America Lois Heath Perry, worked as a school teacher.

Early Life

Julia grew up in Akron, Ohio, in a family that valued education and the arts. The environment in her household likely fostered her early interest and dedication to music, which paved the way for her later achievements. This nurturing backdrop played a significant role in shaping her future as a composer. From a young age, she engaged with music, studying voice, piano, and violin, and showcasing her musical talents early on.

Education

Perry attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 1947. She continued her studies at the Juilliard School of Music and the Berkshire Music Center in Tanglewood, Massachusetts.

Early Career and Achievements

Perry’s early compositions were heavily influenced by African-American music. In 1951, she composed “Free at Last” and “I’m a Poor Li’l Orphan,” which showcased her incorporation of black spiritual music. She won her first Guggenheim Fellowship in 1954 and studied under Nadia Boulanger in Paris, where she received the Boulanger Grand Prix for her Viola Sonata.

European Studies and Recognition

From 1955 to 1957, Perry received two Guggenheim Fellowships to study in Florence, Italy, with composer Luigi Dallapiccola. Her compositions gained international recognition, and she became the first African American woman to have her orchestral work performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in London.

Later Career and Contributions

Perry returned to the United States and continued her work in composition. In 1964, her three-act opera-ballet “The Selfish Giant” won an American Academy of Arts and Letters Prize in music. She took up teaching at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College (Florida A&M) in Tallahassee in 1967 and was also a visiting artist at Atlanta College. Julia Amanda Perry never married – she dedicated her life to her music and teaching career.

Final Years and Legacy

Perry suffered a stroke around 1970, which severely impacted her career. Despite her health challenges, she continued composing until her death on April 24, 1979. Her work includes symphonies, operas, and chamber music, and she remains a significant figure in American classical music. For more information about Julia Amanda Perry, click here.

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Lyda Conley: A Trailblazer in Legal History

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Nov 27, 2024 | Native American history, Women's History Wednesday

Lyda Conley was a pioneering Wyandot Native American lawyer and the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association. Renowned for her passionate advocacy, she famously defended the Huron Cemetery from development, becoming the first Native American woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her legacy highlights her dedication to justice and Native American rights.

Early Life

Lyda Conley, born Eliza Burton Conley around 1869, was the youngest of four daughters in a multiracial Wyandot Native American family. Her mother, Elizabeth Burton Zane, was a Wyandot woman, and her father, Andrew Syrenus Conley, was of Scots-Irish and English descent. The Conley family moved from Ohio to Kansas as part of a large Wyandot migration due to increasing white encroachment on their ancestral lands. After completing her primary and secondary education in Wyandotte County, Kansas, Lyda pursued higher education focusing on law. Growing up on a farm in Wyandotte County, Kansas, she developed a strong sense of justice and a deep connection to her heritage. This would later drive her to become a pioneering lawyer and advocate for Native American rights. She attended the Kansas City School of Law (now part of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law), where she was one of the few women in her class.

Legal Career

After graduating and being admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1902, Lyda became aware of the issue with the Huron Cemetery. She learned that the land which held the graves of her ancestors was at risk of being sold and developed. As a direct descendant of the Wyandot Chief Tarhe, she felt a deep responsibility to protect the cemetery and preserve her family’s heritage. This realization drove her to take legal action and fight for the preservation of the sacred burial ground. Immediately, she began her campaign to prevent the sale and development of the Huron Cemetery. When Congress approved legislation to sell the cemetery land in 1906, Conley filed a permanent injunction against the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Indian Commissioners.

Activism

Conley and her sister Helena built a shack, known as “Fort Conley,” at the cemetery entrance. They guarded the site day and night, armed with a shotgun, to protect their ancestors’ graves. She argued her case passionately, stating that no lawyer could plead for her mother’s grave as she could. Her fight to preserve the Huron Cemetery in Kansas City culminated in her historic appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1909. Lyda’s tireless efforts eventually led to the cemetery’s preservation as a federal park. This ensured that the final resting place of her ancestors remained protected. In 1910, Conley became the first Native American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court. Although she did not win the case, her efforts led to the eventual preservation of the cemetery. In 1916, Congress passed legislation to protect the Huron Cemetery, which later became a National Historic Landmark

Lyda's Impact

Lyda’s actions had a profound impact on Native American rights and representation:

Legal Precedent

By becoming the first Native American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Conley set a significant legal precedent. Her case, although unsuccessful, highlighted the legal rights of Native Americans and brought national attention to their struggles.

Preservation of Sacred Sites

Conley’s relentless efforts to protect the Huron Cemetery led to its eventual preservation. This success underscored the importance of preserving Native American burial grounds and cultural heritage.

Inspiration for Future Activists

Conley’s dedication and bravery inspired future generations of Native American activists and lawyers. Her actions demonstrated that Native Americans could effectively use the legal system to fight for their rights and protect their heritage.

Increased Awareness

Conley’s case brought increased awareness to the issues facing Native American communities, particularly regarding land rights and the preservation of sacred sites. This awareness helped to foster greater respect and understanding of Native American cultures and their legal rights.

Legacy

Lyda Conley’s legal education provided her with the skills and knowledge to become a formidable advocate for Native American rights. Her dedication to justice and her passion for protecting her heritage were evident throughout her career. She continued to practice law and advocate for Native American rights until her death on May 28, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas. Lyda passed away at her home, where she had lived with her sisters. She was buried in the Huron Indian Cemetery, the very site she fought to protect. To learn more about Lyda Conley, click here.

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From Osage Reservation to Ballet Stardom: The Legacy of Maria Tallchief

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Nov 20, 2024 | Native American history, Women's History Wednesday

Maria Tallchief, born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief to Alexander Joseph Tall Chief, a full-blooded member of the Osage Nation and Ruth Porter, of Scottish-Irish descent on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Maria and her younger sister, Marjorie grew up on the Osage reservation and began dancing at an early age. Their mother, recognizing their potential, moved the family to Los Angeles to provide better opportunities for her daughters.

Early Life

Maria Tallchief’s involvement in ballet started at a very young age. At only a few years old, Maria and her family moved from the Osage reservation in Oklahoma to Los Angeles, California, where they could access better dance training. In Los Angeles, Maria studied ballet under several prominent teachers, including Bronislava Nijinska and David Lichine. Her rigorous training and dedication paid off as she quickly advanced with her skills. By the age of 17, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, a prestigious touring company. Her talent and hard work catapulted her to fame, leading to her significant contributions to the world of ballet.

Rise to Fame

The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, a renowned touring company based in New York City showcased her exceptional talent. Her dedication quickly garnered attention and she became a featured soloist. Her performances in George Balanchine’s choreographed works elevated her status in the ballet world. In 1946, Maria married Balanchine, and their artistic partnership transformed American ballet, blending classical techniques with innovative choreography.

Swan-Lake-Maria-Tallchief School of American Ballet

New York City Ballet

In 1946, Balanchine, along with Lincoln Kirstein, co-founded the NYCB. In 1948, recognizing Maria’s extraordinary abilities, Balanchine invited her to join the newly established company as its prima ballerina. Maria created and performed many iconic roles under Balanchine’s choreography. Her tenure at the NYCB not only helped elevate the company’s reputation but also played a significant role in popularizing ballet in the United States. As , She held the position of prima ballerina of the NYCB from 1948 to 1965. Her performance as the Firebird in Balanchine’s adaptation of the Stravinsky ballet remains legendary. She also captivated audiences with her portrayal of the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker,” a role she helped popularize as a Christmas tradition in America. Her collaborations with Balanchine defined an era and brought international acclaim to the NYCB.

Personal Life and Values

Despite her professional success, Maria faced personal challenges, including the end of her marriage to Balanchine. She remarried twice, first to aviator Elmourza Natirboff and later to Chicago businessman Henry “Buzz” Paschen, with whom she had a daughter, Elise. Maria valued education and the arts, and she dedicated much of her post-performance life to nurturing young dancers and promoting arts education.

Legacy and Honors

After retiring from performing in 1966, Maria continued to influence the dance world as a choreographer and teacher. She co-founded the Chicago City Ballet in 1980 and served as its artistic director. Maria’s contributions to ballet earned her numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1996 and the National Medal of Arts in 1999. She received induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Cultural Impact

Maria Tallchief remained deeply connected to her Osage heritage throughout her life. She refused to change her last name, proudly representing her Native American identity on the world stage. Maria often spoke about the importance of honoring one’s heritage and used her platform to raise awareness about Native American culture. Her story has been celebrated through various mediums, including a Barbie doll in Mattel’s Inspiring Women series and numerous books and documentaries.

Maria Tallchief passed away on April 11, 2013, at the age of 88, leaving an indelible mark on the history of ballet. To learn more about her, click here.

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Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte: A Trailblazer in Medicine and Advocacy

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Nov 13, 2024 | Native American history, Women's History Wednesday

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a trailblazing Native American woman, broke barriers in medicine and advocacy. Her life began on the Omaha Reservation to later become the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and dedication to her community.

Susan La Flesche Picotte was born on June 17, 1865, on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. She was the youngest of four children in a family with mixed Omaha, Ponca, Iowa, French, and Anglo-American heritage. Her father, Joseph La Flesche (Iron Eye), was a prominent leader of the Omaha tribe, and her mother, Mary Gale (One Woman), was of Omaha, Otoe, and Iowa heritage.

Early Life and Education

From a young age, Susan witnessed the poor health conditions and lack of medical care on the reservation. A pivotal moment came when she saw a sick Indian woman die because the local white doctor refused to treat her. This tragedy inspired Susan to pursue a career in medicine to provide care for her people.

Susan attended school on the reservation until 14 years old, She moved to New Jersey to attend the Elizabeth Institute for Young Ladies. After graduation, she returned to the Omaha Reservation and taught at the Quaker Mission School. Encouraged by Alice Fletcher, an ethnologist working at the school, Susan decided to pursue formal medical training.

Medical Education and Career

Susan enrolled at the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that is still in existence as Hampton University. Later, she applied to the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania with the help of Alice Fletcher. She received scholarship funds from the U.S. Office of Indian Affairs. She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1889, becoming the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree.

After completing her internship in Philadelphia, Susan returned to the Omaha Reservation to provide healthcare to her people. She served over 1,300 people across 450 square miles, often making house calls on horseback or by horse-drawn buggy. Susan also worked to improve public health on the reservation by promoting good hygiene, food sanitation, and the prevention of tuberculosis.

Advocacy and Legacy

Susan La Flesche Picotte was not only a physician but also a passionate advocate for her community. She campaigned for the formal allotment of land to Omaha tribe members and worked to discourage alcohol consumption on the reservation. Susan also helped Omaha people navigate the bureaucracy of the Office of Indian Affairs to receive the money owed to them for the sale of their land.

Susan La Flesche Picotte married Henry Picotte, a Sioux Indian from the Yankton agency, in 1894. In 1913, Susan achieved her dream of opening a hospital on the reservation named Memorial Hospital. The hospital in Walthill, Nebraska served both Native and non-Native patients and included general wards, private wards, a maternity ward, and an operating room.

Susan La Flesche Picotte passed away on September 18, 1915 in Walthill, Nebraska at 50. years old Her legacy lives on through her contributions to medicine and her tireless advocacy for the health and well-being of her people. To learn more about Susan La Flesche Picotte, click here.

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Sheila Michaels: The Feminist Who Gave Us ‘Ms.’

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Oct 30, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

Sheila Michaels’ legacy was marked by her relentless pursuit of equality and her role in transforming societal norms regarding women’s titles. Her efforts helped pave the way for greater gender equality and recognition of women’s independence.

Sheila Michaels, born on May 8, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in a complex family environment. Her mother, Alma Weil, was a playwright and theatrical producer, while her biological father, Ephraim London, was a civil rights attorney. Raised initially by her maternal grandparents in New York City, Sheila later returns to live with her mother and stepfather, Harry H. Kessler. She took her stepfather’s last name, Kessler.

Feminist and Activist

She attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia but was expelled for writing anti-segregation articles for the school newspaper. Her mother and stepfather disowned her because they disapproved of her political activism. She also requested that she not use Kessler as her surname; she returned to being Sheila Michaels. In the 1960s, Sheila became deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, working with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Her activism led her to seek a title for women that is not dependent on marital status.

She championed the use of “Ms.,” a term she first encountered on a mailing label. The misspelling was a typographical error, however she ran with it, making it a moniker for women. In 1969, during a radio interview, she suggested “Ms.” as a title for women, which caught the attention of feminist Gloria Steinem. This led to the widespread adoption of “Ms.” and the launch of the magazine “Ms.” in 1972.

Sheila Michaels did receive recognition for her work, particularly for her role in popularizing the title “Ms.” While she did not achieve widespread fame during her lifetime, her contributions were acknowledged by feminist circles and later by the broader public. Her efforts were instrumental in promoting gender equality and changing societal norms regarding women’s titles.

Sheila’s contributions extended beyond feminism. In 1975, she traveled to Laos to work with children injured during the Vietnam War. She also worked as an oral historian, documenting the experiences of civil rights activists, and even drove a taxi in New York City for a decade. She died from leukemia on June 22, 2017.

Her work gained more attention posthumously, with various articles and obituaries highlighting her impact on the feminist movement and the English language. Michaels’ legacy continues to be celebrated for its lasting influence on how women are addressed and perceived in society. To learn more about Sheila Michaels, click here.

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