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Collection

An illustrative image of a woman. — (Sarah Porter/The 19th)

Revolutionary

As the country marks its 250th year, The 19th is reexamining our nation’s founding, its unfulfilled promises and unsung heroes through the lives, labor, and leadership of those initially excluded from dominant historical narratives: the women and gender-expansive people who have done the work of making America more free and equal for all. Explore this series.

In This Collection

Present at our nation’s founding — but excluded from its promise

Elizabeth Freeman demanded her rightful place among this country's founders and helped forge a tradition of forcing America to live up to its ideals.

Errin Haines · April 22, 2026