What’s the story?
We typically associate American revolutions with a departure from monarchy. But an entirely new revolution in the 1800s caused Americans to admire progress in England (even if inspiration came from the throne itself). The issue was women’s rights. A century after the American Revolution, women on both sides of the Atlantic would work together to “solve the most delicate and difficult problem presented by modern civilization,” in the words of activist Emily Faithfull.Faithfull, publisher, founder of Victoria Press, and women’s rights advocate, focused on expanding women’s employment in England. Shortly after arriving to New York City for the first of three American speaking tours, Faithfull wrote this fleeting note inviting an unknown recipient to hear her speak at the Cooper Institute.
On this visit, Faithfull hoped to learn how women’s rights were advancing in the United States. It was immediately clear that her insights were sought after, too. In October 1872, a large audience gathered to hear her thoughts on Queen Victoria and the women’s movement. According to the New York Times, Faithfull spoke against blind loyalty to royal institutions. Yet, she found a worthy role model in how Queen Victoria led her household and nation with integrity and thoroughness.
Through her many speaking engagements, Emily Faithfull would meet some of the most influential activists of her time, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Just as Faithfull sat among remarkable women to exchange ideas, her letter enriches a broader story within the Rosenbach’s collections. Prominent women like Marianne Moore have carried on the work of Faithfull long after her tours ended.
Although the fight for women’s employment rights continues today as we address increasingly complex issues such as parental leave, access to healthcare, affordable childcare, and pay equality, the work of activists like Emily Faithfull inspires us to continue searching for solutions that cross national boundaries. What other communities could we partner with to advance women’s rights in the United States and elsewhere? What women inspire you?
This interpretation was written by Hannah Lindsay, a student in “The Curator’s Toolkit” course at the Rosenbach Museum & Library in spring 2026.
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theme: Unfinished Revolutionssubjects: Feminism
contributing repository: Rosenbach Museum & Library
submitted by: Hannah Lindsay
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