Line art of publisher Anne Catharine Hoof Green, the Sweet Bay Magnolia, and performer Marian Anderson courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Gardens, and Smithsonian Digital Studios.
Meet 14 creative, courageous women throughout American history in our new coloring booklet, Coloring Our World: Celebrating Women Throughout History.
The 12-page booklet is designed for children five to eight years old but can be enjoyed by women's history fans of any age. The Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative, in partnership with the Smithsonian's Office of the Under Secretary for Education, is currently distributing the booklet to young learners in the Washington, D.C., area. You can download and print your own copy.
In the booklet, readers will learn about women such as postal worker Mary Fields. While living in Cascade, Montana, in 1895 Fields was contracted by the United States Post Office Department as a Star Route Carrier. These contractors used a stagecoach to deliver mail in northern Montana. Fields, known as "Stagecoach Mary," was the first African American woman and the second woman to receive a Star Route contract.
Undated photo of Mary Fields. National Postal Museum.
Fields not only faced the harsh Montana environment and climate when delivering mail—she protected herself along the way from bandits, thieves, and wolves. Later, the locals of Cascade would recall her fearlessness, generosity, and kindness to children.
Learn more stories of notable scientists, artists, writers, and educators from history and today when you download Coloring Our World: Celebrating Women Throughout History. As the coloring booklet advises, do not forget to dream and think to yourself, "How can I make history?" as you enjoy these stories.
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"Coloring Our World: Celebrating Women Throughout History" was produced by the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative, Office of Advancement, Office of Communications and External Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary for Education, and the Smithsonian education community, with creative services and design by Smithsonian Digital Studios. This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative.