The Homance Chronicles

Marjorie Merriweather Post was one of America's most prominent heiresses and philanthropists. Born into immense wealth as the daughter of cereal magnate C.W. Post, Marjorie's life was anything but or…

Born Florence Nightingale Graham in 1881, she transformed herself into the iconic figure known as Elizabeth Arden. From humble beginnings in rural Canada to building a global beauty empire, Arden's j…

Ella Eaton Kellogg, often overshadowed by her famous husband, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, emerges as a force in her own right, contributing significantly to the fields of nutrition, wellness, and progre…

One of history's most captivating figures: Zheng Yi Sao, better known as Ching Shih – the Pirate Queen of China was born in 1775 in Guangdong Province, China. We recount Zheng Yi Sao's remarkable ris…

Suzanne Morrow Francis, affectionately known as Suzi, was born in Toronto, Canada where she took on figure skating to strength her leg after an injury and then dominated the skating world.

Suzi's pas…

Born in Australia in the late 19th century, Annette Kellerman defied societal norms from a young age. Overcoming childhood illness, she discovered her love for swimming, a passion that would propel h…

Janis Joplin was an iconic rock and blues singer whose raw talent and unapologetic spirit left an indelible mark on the music world.

From her humble beginnings in Port Arthur, Texas, to her rise to f…

Angela Burdett Coutts was a philanthropist whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born into privilege in 1814, Angela defied societal expectations by dedicating her life to charitable endeavo…

Born in the 5th century, St. Brigid's journey is shrouded in myth and legend, yet her impact on Irish culture and spirituality remains profound to this day.

Our exploration begins with the early year…

Melitta Bentz, the pioneering inventor behind the modern coffee filter. Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1873, Bentz's story is one of ingenuity, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit.

From humble beg…

Bertha Benz, the wife and business partner of Carl Benz, played a pivotal role in the invention of the automobile and the success of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world's first automobile.

Born in …

The extraordinary story of Mamie Till, a mother whose profound grief transformed into a catalyst for change during one of the darkest periods in American history.

Mamie Till's life is a testament to …

Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress and earned the nickname “Fighting Shirley.” 

From her humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, to her historic ac…

Phyllis Wheatley was a young African woman who defied the odds of her time to become one of America's most celebrated poets. Born in West Africa and enslaved at just seven years old, Phyllis Wheatley…

From her early days as a mathematics prodigy to her groundbreaking work at NASA, Margaret Hamilton's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to advancing technology.

We explore how h…

Lucille Ricksen, a luminary of the silent film era whose promising trajectory was cut short by tragedy. Born in Chicago in 1909, Ricksen's entrance into the world of entertainment was early and marke…

Bessie Coleman, a trailblazing aviator who defied racial and gender barriers to become the first African American woman to hold a pilot's license. Join us as we explore Bessie's humble beginnings in …

Women have dominated the real estate industry in recent years, but it definitely didn't start out that way. For a long time women couldn't buy or own property in their name. They couldn't join the Na…

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree. 

Dr. Crumpler's journey began in a society where racial and gender inequalities were deepl…