On Monday I told you the story of Sybil Luddington, a Revolutionary War hero who has been all but erased from history.  Since men have traditionally written the major history books, they got to tell their version of events. Not surprisingly they made themselves the protagonists and women have been the supporting characters if they are mentioned at all. Now it’s up to us to tell our own story. Part of changing our relationship with power means that it’s time for women to reclaim our history, and write ourselves into the history books.

Shelby Knox took some time to speak with me at my book launch last week about a woman who has inspired her: suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage. Take a look at what Shelby has to say about Gage’s contributions to women’s history, as well as to a popular tale that might surprise you.

What women from history have inspired you? Whose shoulders are you standing on?  Share your stories in the comments section.