Defying Convention

Women have always challenged the world's expectations of them and the Kislak Center's Special Collections Processing Center has the proof. Meet the adventurous, globetrotting women who have explored continents, settled in new lands, and made history. From the 15th century to the present, our collections show women as scientists, activists, teachers, explorers, writers, patriots, and healers whose efforts to change the world have inspired countless generations of women.

The Special Collections Processing Center reveals written and visual accounts of extraordinary, independent women who were determined to forge their own paths. We welcome you for a one-evening show-and-tell during Archives Month to see our rare books and manuscripts chronicling the exploits, adventures, and mishaps of these extraordinary women.