Alice Morse Earle

Alice Morse Earle was an American historian and author during the 19Th century. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1851. Her writing was very important in understand the social aspect of life during this time period. She mainly focused on Colonial America, mainly in New England. Morse Earle began writing due to the wishes of her father. Her focus on social life and cultural aspects made her a pioneer for writers of social history. Morse Earle followed the beliefs of Darwinism and the idea of “survival of the fittest”. She documented many examples of domesticity in the colonies and during this time period and many of her perspectives can be seen in her writing. Some things Morse Earle believed in include temperance, the abstinence of alcohol. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution but did not partake in any movements that were too radical or involved the fight for women’s suffrage. Her focus on family life and domesticity did not earn Alice Morse Earle the respect she deserved, and even today her work is isn't taken very seriously by other historians. Near the end of her life, Morse Earle grew ill after falling in the ocean due to a boat crash. Alice Morse Earle died in 1911. Her most famous works include; Colonial Dames and Good Wives, Child Life in Colonial Days, and Customs and Fashions in Old New England.

Citation:
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Alice Morse Earle." about.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb.
2010. alicemorseearle.htm>.