Women In Media

Three 18^th Century Media Women

There are a number of 18^th century media women to pay homage to.  These early USA women journalists are true pioneers. This is true not only because they opened doors for other women, but also because of what they actually accomplished in their respective careers.

Here are three:

·      Anne Catherine Hoof Green (1720-1775): Born in the Netherlands, Green eventually made her way to Annapolis, Maryland. It was here that she published The Maryland Gazette, an early example of modern journalism in America. It provided essential news for the area in the years that gave way to the American Revolution. It’s worth noting that The Maryland Gazette was consistently critical of the British.

·      Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816): One of the earliest publishers in America, Goddard was also the first American postmistress. She initially worked alongside her brother on The Maryland Journal and took it over for a while. She went on to run a bookstore and publish an almanac. Goddard offered her printing press to publish and distribute The Declaration of Independence, and eventually became a postmistress. She would hold that position for fourteen full years.

·      Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879): Another crucial example of early USA women journalists. Hale accomplished many things. She wrote the “Mary Had a Little Lamb” nursery rhyme, made appeals for the creation of the American Thanksgiving holiday, and worked to see the Bunker Hill Monument completed. Hale wrote novels and poetry, as well, but it is her work as an editor for a variety of publications (Godey’s Lady’s Book being perhaps the most notable) that places her high on the list of early USA women journalists.

In their dedication of and passion for journalism, these women forged pathways that others followed. To read about more women in media, click here.