About Us
Who is Clara Barton?
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, is one of the most honored women in American history. She was a true pioneer as well as an outstanding humanitarian, teacher and civil rights activist. As pioneer, she began teaching school at a time when most teachers were men. She was among the first women to gain employment in the federal government. As a pioneer and humanitarian, she risked her life when she was nearly 40 years old to bring supplies and support to soldiers in the field during the Civil War. Then, at age 60, she founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and led it for the next 23 years. Following the Civil War, her friendship with Susan B. Anthony and Julia Ward Howe led her to support the women's suffrage movement and the civil rights movement for freed African-Americans after the war.
By the force of her personal example, she opened paths to the new field of volunteer service. Her intense devotion to the aim of serving others resulted in enough achievements to fill several ordinary lifetimes.