History Refractions

Ida Tarbell is one of the most fascinating historical figures of the Progressive Era. By shining a light through her life, and debating her legacy, many images of one woman emerge. 

Modern audiences can not only learn more about the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, but also question the way we look at the past.

Through Tarbell, we can debate the definitions of activist, environmentalist and feminist among others. We can also explore why certain historical figures seem to captivate audiences, and how our understanding of them is often overly two-dimensional. 

Ida Tarbell appears most commonly in school curricula for the Progressive Era – while if you dig deep enough, there is some academic historic debate about her many intricacies and nuances. 

This website aims to bridge the gap, delivering the details of Tarbell’s life and career that have made her so highly regarded, while also offering a direct window into the debates surrounding the writer and her legacy.

This website is divided into three sections, “Ida Tarbell: Her Timeline,” “Refractions of Ida,” and “Bibliographies.”

Comments or insights are always welcomed and appreciated.

History Refractions Ida Tarbell: History & Legacy