Amy Bock (1859-1943) spent the majority of her life conning the people of New Zealand. She was once labeled “The Champion Crook...

Maria Getrudis Barceló (c. 1800-1852) was a card-dealer and renowned business woman who amassed a fortune through her gambling...

Theda Bara (1885-1955) was one of film’s first sex symbols and creator of the ‘vamp’ – a dark-haired, sultry woman who sucked...

Ellen Armstrong (1914-1979) was a famous stage magician, and the only African American woman of her time to have a touring magic...

Sophie Blanchard (1778-1819) was the first woman balloonist, who lived – and died – with her head in the clouds. This week of...

In 1946, Marie Nyswander, a recent medical school graduate, joined the U.S. Public Health Service looking for adventure abroad....

Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) used her love of movement to revitalize an Indian classical dance. This week of Womanica is...

Rossa Matilda Richter (c. 1860-1937) defied expectations — and gravity — to become one of the first ever people to fly through...

Pearl Primus (1919-1994) was a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and anthropologist who used dance to unify and uplift the African...