11 Women In History Readers Would Like To Get To Know

ACROSS AMERICA — “What is your version of your life?”

History books are filled with accounts of the life of Joan of Arc. Believing she was acting under divine guidance, the pious peasant girl led the French army to victory at Orléans in 1429, marking a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Throughout the centuries, Joan of Arc has been seen a fierce symbol of freedom and independence and revered as a martyr in the Roman Catholic Church.

A Branford (Connecticut) Patch reader named Anne wants to know more of her life story and, more specifically, “How did you not lose faith?”

In celebration of Women’s History Month (March 1-31) and International Women’s History Day, which is Wednesday, we asked readers to tell us what woman in history, living or dead, they would most like to spend a day getting to know.

Kate, a Salem (Massachusetts) Patch reader, would like to hear Rebecca Nurse’s account of her witchcraft trial and execution by hanging in 1692. The 71-year-old devout mother of eight’s arrest came as a surprise in Salem, where she was regarded as an upstanding citizen.

Nurse was fully exonerated 20 years later. Theories to explain her behavior range from hysteria to societal and political rifts in town.

Nurse was “not a heroine, but certainly a victim of an intense and strange time in local history,” Kate wrote in our informal survey.

“In contemporary times, we continue to see how forms of hysteria provoke extreme outcomes,” Kate said. “I would love to hear her story directly from her.”

A reader from Levittown (Pennsylvania) Patch has a question for Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-born American film actress from Hollywood’s golden age, but also the genius behind the technology used in today’s WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth communications system. Lamarr’s application for a patent was submitted on Aug 11, 1942, under her married name, Hedy Kiesler Markey.

“Did she patent her idea to protect and control the technology, or to make money from it?” the reader wonders.

Along with other actors, writers and musicians, Katherine Hepburn met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his home in September 1940, ostensibly to talk about a national radio program in support of FDR’s New Deal.

What else did she talk to him about, Joanie, an Easton (Massachusetts) Patch reader, wants to know. She’s fascinated with the late actress for other reasons;

“Hepburn, whose mother was a suffragette and early advocate of birth control, was raised to be confident, independent, and individualistic, and her aversion to forced femininity began at a young age. She was famous for her commitment to wearing pants at a time when the rest of Hollywood’s female stars virtually never strayed from skirts and dresses. In 1986, the Council of Fashion Designers of America even honored Hepburn with a lifetime achievement award.”

Thomas, who reads Douglasville (Georgia) Patch, would like to experience a day in the life of Clara Barton, a Union Army nurse in the American Civil War who went on to found the American Red Cross.

“What were some of the worst injuries that you tended during the Civil War?” he would ask if given the opportunity.

Patch reader Judy would like to spend a day with Mary, Jesus’ mother. What was Jesus like as a child, she wonders, and what it was like to be chosen by God to be his mother.

Several other readers want to meet former first ladies.

History recalls Martha Washington, the nation’s first first lady, as a “worthy partner” to George Washington. Her first husband left her a wealthy widow. She and George Washington were married in 1759, and she spent about half of the Revolutionary War in camp or nearby her husband. She also helped manage and run her husband’s estates while raising her four children, several grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

“She personally provisioned and provided nursing care for the Continental Army enlisted men at Valley Forge,” Across California Patch reader Elizabeth wrote, adding she would like to know “her secret to being such a great support” to her husband.

Eleanor Roosevelt was “ahead of her time in being a human rights activist,” Milford (Connecticut) Patch reader Wendy said. If she could, she’d ask the famous first lady, “What would you like to be remembered for?”

Another reader, Laura, would ask, “How would you like to see women progress in 100 years?”

Upper Dublin (Pennsylvania) Patch reader Theresa said she respects Mrs. Roosevelt’s contributions to a just society during her time as first lady. If she could, she would ask “how to create and maintain a just and equal society for all classes of people.”

Readers would also like to spend time with living former first ladies.

Andrea, who reads Islip Patch, Sachem Patch and Sayville-Bayport Patch, both in New York, wants to chat with former first lady, U.S. senator, secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and ask her how much she knew about Donald Trump before the election.

Trump won the Electoral College and went on to become the nation’s 45th president, but Clinton won the popular vote. Andrea said that made Clinton “the legitimate president of the United States.”Clinton recast the role of first lady during President Bill Clinton’s two-term presidency.

Denise, a Marlborough (Massachusetts) Patch reader, wants to sit down with Michelle Obama, the nation’s first Black first lady.

“How did you stay true to yourself while in the White House?” Denise would ask.

Patch reader Catherine wants to sit down with Melania Trump.

“She’s genuinely sincere and truly cares about the people and her family,” Catherine said, adding she would like to ask the former first lady how she remains strong amid criticism directed at her husband, his presidency and the Trump family.

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