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                of the women featured in I Will Speak for Myself were real, historical figures. Many of them were barred from reading and writing, but their stories survive deep in America's archival history. Though some have been the subject of rigorous study, others remain lost. Get to know some of the women here. If you want to know more about them, feel free to browse our recommended reading list, story maps, or book a performance of the play. 

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Click on the circle-shaped images to see what kind of records are available on these women and their world. More women and more records will be uploaded in the future. Thank you for your patience.