Branch Rickey: Changing the Game

Branch Rickey (1881-1965) helped break the color line in Major League Baseball by recruiting Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Explore his scouting reports, which document Rickey's skill in analyzing a player's game.

Civil War Soldiers: "Disabled but not disheartened"

William Oland Bourne (1819-1901) was a reformer, poet, editor, and clergyman who organized left-hand penmanship competitions for Union soldiers who had lost their right arms during the Civil War.

Clara Barton: "Angel of the Battlefield"

Nurse, educator, philanthropist, lecturer, and founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton (1821-1912) was one of the most prolific, active, and beloved women of her time. Discover how she achieved so much despite widespread prejudice against women.

Letters to Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln led a busy life as a laborer, politician, lawyer, father, husband, and the first Republican President. Find out what occupied his mind by transcribing letters written to him by friends, family, fellow lawyers and politicians, allies and adversaries, as well as his diverse constituents. Most of Lincoln's own letters have been transcribed, but these letters to him have not. Help us get a more complete picture of his life and times. As part of this effort we're launching the Letters to Lincoln Challenge for 2018! Can we transcribe all 28,000 pages by December 31st? We'll release content dating from later in Lincoln's life as you complete these materials from the 1830s, 40s and 50s.

Mary Church Terrell: Advocate for African Americans and Women

Terrell helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights movement. Learn how she helped to found the NAACP, and fought for the advancement of African Americans and women.