American Spirit, the national magazine of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)*, has a strong track record of bringing to light stories about brave and groundbreaking women of history whose lives aren’t very familiar to most people.

Nowhere is that focus more apparent than in the magazine’s third annual issue devoted to Women’s History Month.

The cover feature looks at the lives of Anna Claypoole Peale and Sarah Miriam Peale. The sisters not only found distinction as highly skilled 19th-century portrait artists, but they also were remarkable in another respect: They were able to support themselves financially in an age when women were supposed to be homemakers, not artisans.

Though Irish immigrant Margaret Haughery’s early life was marred by tragedy and she had no formal schooling, she persevered to become a successful entrepreneur in 19th-century New Orleans. This issue includes a feature examining how she dedicated her life to helping orphans in that disease-plagued city, inspiring many of her fellow citizens to call her the Angel of the Delta.

Many of the Huguenots who arrived in America in the 17th century were educated and some were professionals, so the physical toil the New World demanded must have come as a shock. A story highlights the efforts of Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, N.Y., to remember those women who worked diligently to carve out a home and bring culture and civilization to the wilderness.

Solving genealogical research problems is one of the strengths many of DAR members share, but name changes put up frustrating roadblocks to even the most experienced genealogists. For those trying to break through the maze of altered names and errant spellings to find missing ancestors, the magazine offers commiseration—and helpful ideas.

This issue also takes us to Benjamin and Caroline Harrison’s National Historic Landmark home in Indianapolis. The home of the 23rd U.S. president and the first DAR President General honors their numerous achievements.

Anyone can subscribe to American Spirit (here’s how) and many public and school libraries in the United States have subscriptions, thanks to local DAR chapters.

*For over a decade, Hammock has been honored to assist our friends at the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in publishing their award-winning magazine. For samples of covers and editorial features in issues since 2007, visit the Hammock Portfolio on Flickr.