“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 household Hale was an abolitionist  Wanted to send all slaves to Liberia Hale 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 public Was regarded as one of the most important and influential arbiters of American taste Became 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 Thanksgiving Helped 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 Thanksgiving Women’s Colleges Preservation of Mount Vernon Completion of Bunker’s Hill Memorial Sarah Josepha Hale (Literary Award)