Alice Morse Earle
Alice Morse Earle
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Alice Morse Earle was a renowned American historian, writer, and social commentator. Her full name was Alice Morse Earle, but she is also known as Mrs. Charles Morris Earle.
Birth and Death Dates
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Alice Morse Earle was born on March 1, 1851, in New York City, New York, and passed away on July 28, 1915.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Earle was an American historian and writer who dedicated her life to studying and interpreting the culture of colonial America. Her profession as a historian and writer spanned several decades, during which she wrote extensively about various aspects of American history, particularly in the fields of social history, women's studies, and the early American experience.
Early Life and Background
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Alice Morse Earle was born into a family of modest means in New York City. Her childhood was marked by an interest in reading and learning, which she fostered through her parents' encouragement. Earle's love for history began at a young age, and she spent much of her time studying the colonial era and its people.
Earle attended several schools throughout her youth, including St. Mary's Hall in Burlington, New Jersey. During this period, she developed a strong interest in writing and poetry, which would later become essential skills for her career as an author and historian.
Major Accomplishments
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Alice Morse Earle is best known for her contributions to American historical scholarship, particularly in the areas of social history and women's studies. Her most notable accomplishments include:
"The Sabbath in Puritan New England" (1891): This book provided a comprehensive examination of life in colonial America, with a focus on the role of the Sabbath in shaping the daily lives of Puritans.
"Colonial Days in Old New York" (1889): This work offered a detailed account of life in colonial New York, including its social structures and cultural practices.
Earle's writing not only shed light on previously underexplored aspects of American history but also helped to shape the field as a whole. Her passion for historical research and her dedication to sharing this knowledge with the public earned her recognition within academic circles.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Earle's most notable works include:
"The Home Life in Colonial Days" (1898): This book provided a detailed account of domestic life in colonial America, covering topics such as household management and family dynamics.
"Curiosities of the American Revolution" (1913): In this work, Earle explored various lesser-known aspects of the American Revolution, offering new insights into this pivotal period in American history.
Earle's dedication to historical scholarship also extended beyond her writing. She was an active member of several historical organizations and contributed to various academic journals throughout her career.
Impact and Legacy
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Alice Morse Earle's impact on American historical scholarship cannot be overstated. Her meticulous research, engaging writing style, and commitment to sharing the stories of colonial America helped shape the field as we know it today. Earle's legacy extends beyond her individual works, influencing generations of historians who followed in her footsteps.
Earle's dedication to women's studies also paved the way for future researchers to explore this area of American history. Her work demonstrated the importance of considering the perspectives and experiences of women within a broader historical context, helping to shift the focus of the field towards more inclusive scholarship.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Alice Morse Earle is widely quoted and remembered due to her significant contributions to American historical scholarship. Her meticulous research, engaging writing style, and dedication to sharing the stories of colonial America have left a lasting impact on the field. Earle's passion for history and her commitment to shedding light on previously underexplored aspects of American life continue to inspire historians today.
Earle's legacy extends beyond her individual works, influencing generations of researchers who followed in her footsteps. Her work continues to be celebrated for its insight into colonial America, providing a rich understanding of this pivotal period in American history.
In conclusion, Alice Morse Earle was a remarkable historian and writer whose contributions to American historical scholarship continue to be felt today. Her dedication to sharing the stories of colonial America has left an indelible mark on the field, ensuring her place as one of the most influential historians of her time.
Quotes by Alice Morse Earle

It is heartrending to read the entries in many an old family Bible – the records of suffering, distress, and blasted hopes.

The grape Hyacinth is the favorite spring flower of my garden – but no! I though a minute ago the Scilla was! and what place has the Violet? the Flower de Luce? I cannot decide, but this I know – it is some blue flower.

The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.


Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination. You are always living three, or indeed six, months hence. I believe that people entirely devoid of imagination never can be really good gardeners. To be content with the present, and not striving about the future, is fatal.


The grape Hyacinth is the favorite spring flower of my garden - but no! I though a minute ago the Scilla was! and what place has the Violet? the Flower de Luce? I cannot decide, but this I know - it is some blue flower.

Sunken gardens should be laid out under the supervision of an intelligent landscape architect; and even then should have a reason for being sunken other than a whim or increase in costliness.

In the early New England meeting-houses the seats were long, narrow, uncomfortable benches, which were made of simple, rough, hand-riven planks placed on legs like milking-stools.

When the first settlers landed on American shores, the difficulties in finding or making shelter must have seemed ironical as well as almost unbearable.