Women at Work

The history of women in the workplace shows the effects of advocacy, agency, and determination through centuries of struggle and progress. The learning activities featured on this page represent multiple perspectives and highlight the experiences of women at work over the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of the records are from the Factory Investigation Commission set up by the State of New York after the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire to investigate unsafe working conditions. Women have had an important role in improving working conditions and worker's rights.