Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities Pack It In
Nov 14, 2024
Explore the incredible life of Sarah Emma Edmonds, a 19th-century woman who defied societal norms to seek adventure. Discover the dual identity of a Civil War heroine who fought as both soldier and spy, navigating the complexities of her memoir's authenticity. Delve into the dangers of identity theft and the historical challenges faced in Appalachia during the Great Depression. Learn about the Pack Horse Library Program, a remarkable initiative that increased literacy by delivering books to remote areas, highlighting the tireless efforts of women in the 1930s.
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Sarah Edmonds's Double Life
- Sarah Edmonds, born in 1841, disguised herself as a man to escape her abusive father and a forced marriage.
- Later, she served in the Union Army during the Civil War, working as a mail carrier and possibly as a spy.
The Book Women of Appalachia
- During the Great Depression, the Pack Horse Library Program employed women to deliver books to remote Appalachian communities.
- These women traversed challenging terrain on mules, facing harsh weather and wildlife, to provide access to literature and education.
