William Penn

William Penn was a Quaker who founded Pennsylvania as a place of religious freedom, fair treatment of Native Americans, and democratic government. His “Holy Experiment” made Pennsylvania one of the most diverse and tolerant colonies.

Benjamin Franklin

Betsy Ross

Betsy Ross is widely credited with sewing the first American flag in 1776 after a request from George Washington and other Revolutionary leaders. She was a skilled upholsterer in Philadelphia and became an enduring symbol of American independence and craftsmanship.

Robert Morris

Robert Morris was a Founding Father who helped finance the American Revolution by securing funds and managing war debts. He also signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution.

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush was a prominent physician and a signer of the Declaration of Independence who is often called the “Father of American Psychiatry.” He advocated for prison reform, education for women, and humane treatment of the mentally ill.

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, gaining fame in 1773 for her collection Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. Enslaved as a child and brought to Boston, she used her writings to showcase intellectual ability and advocate for freedom and equality.

James Buchanan

James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861, just before the Civil War. He struggled to prevent the growing divide between North and South, and his inability to resolve the conflict is often criticized by historians.

George McClellan

George B. McClellan was a Union general during the American Civil War known for organizing and training the Army of the Potomac into a strong fighting force. However, he was criticized for being overly cautious in battle and was eventually removed from command by President Lincoln for failing to aggressively pursue Confederate forces.

Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente was a Hall of Fame baseball player known for his powerful arm, consistent hitting, and 3,000 career hits with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was also a passionate humanitarian who died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol was an American artist and leading figure in the Pop Art movement, best known for his iconic depictions of everyday consumer goods and celebrities, such as Campbell’s soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. His work blurred the boundaries between high art and popular culture, making him one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.