I am PASSIONATE about history as a source of information and inspiration. 

But I am also PURPOSEFUL about history because, used strategically, it can PROFIT you, your business, or organization in ways you can't even imagine. 

That's what we do at History Smiths: We find those connections for you -- connections that benefit you AND the communities you serve.  

Check us out, be inspired, and be in touch!

-Bonnie Hurd Smith, CEO

Every year, we debate whether or not we "need" a Women's History Month and a Black History Month, and every year - still - I come down on the side of YES.

Should we "need" special designation? No. But 1) if not, we would get lost, and 2) these months provide opportunities for celebration, education, and marketing - and that's where you and your organization or business can benefit.

Yesterday, I gave a talk about my forthcoming book for the Cambridge (MA) Center for Adult Education and I was so thrilled with the audience's response. Wonderful questions and comments that will help me make it better!

One of the women I discussed was Lydia Maria Francis Child, and I've shared part of her story below including lessons learned from her about courage, communication, and conviction - still relevant today!

How can she inform and advise us as business people? As civic leaders? As educators?

My talk was/is about connecting these dots - and about encouraging YOU to join this work! In fact, here are links to some articles that give you a number of ideas on HOW to get involved, and HOW the work will benefit your business, organization, and community.

Mindset Shift about Business and History

Give Me 5 Minutes to Show You How History Can Benefit Your Business

Results from Using History in Your Marketing 

I hope you enjoy them - and let's brainstorm about specifics!

Be well, and be in touch! 

Bonnie    

P.S. If you're near Salem, MA, I hope you can come to my talk on March 21, 2012 for Gordon College's Old Town Hall Lectures Series! 

by Bonnie Hurd Smith  

* Author of America's first anti-slavery book

* Co-founder of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society and planner of anti-slavery fundraising fairs

* Early advocate for Native American rights

* Co-founder of Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Society

* Author of the first historical novel in the United States

* Prolific and successful novelist, editor, journalist and scholar

* One of the earliest women to earn a living through her writing

Lessons Learned?
Read her story, and I offer some thoughts at the end - lessons you can adopt for yourself right now!

Biographical Sketch
One of Child's biographer's, Joan Goodwin, once wrote, "Lydia Maria Child was a novelist, editor, journalist and scholar who produced a body of work remarkable for its brilliance, originality and variety, much of it inspired by a strong sense of justice and love of freedom."  

Indeed, by the time Child passed away in 1880, having helped to bring about an end to slavery, she was one of the most successful, courageous, and prolific women writers in American history - and someone who risked income and fame to take the stands she did. As Carolyn Karcher wrote about her, "she boldly tackled problems of racial, sexual, and economic justice that our society has yet to resolve - problems she never allowed cynics to dismiss as insoluble."

(continued here) 

Do you have a question about how history can benefit your business, organization, or you personally? I would love to hear it, and I would love to answer it!

I might even feature your business or organization here, because others could benefit from the information!

If you're a nonprofit, you are also a business. Ask away! And if you're a historical nonprofit, do you have questions about how what we do can provide you with new revenue streams?

Please be in touch with your question!