Esther de Berdt Reed wasn’t just a military wife—she was a Revolutionary force. After fleeing British-occupied Philadelphia as a refugee, she returned determined to act. Her bold broadside, The Sentiments of an American Woman, launched an 18th-century fundraising movement that equipped soldiers and inspired women across the colonies. Her story proves women helped shape America’s Revolution.

As men marched to war, women redefined what it meant to fight for freedom. From camp followers to civic leaders, military wives held the Revolution together—proving that liberty was forged not only on the battlefield, but in the resilience of those who stayed beside them.

The Enlightenment didn’t just spark revolutions—it empowered women to claim their place in history. From Martha Bratton’s defiance to Rebecca Motte’s sacrifice, meet the women who turned reason into rebellion and redefined patriotism on the home front.

Wars are not only fought on battlefields or decided in war rooms. They are also shaped by the quiet, determined activism of military spouses who raised funds, organized protests, lobbied lawmakers, and even picked up arms. From the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam era, these spouses have been overlooked contributors to American military and political history.

Military spouses navigate the same ocean as service members but in very different vessels. Their stories of sacrifice, leadership, and resilience are often overlooked. Despite new voices emerging through blogs and podcasts, military spouse experiences remain underrepresented in history. For a stronger, more inclusive military community, these vital narratives must be acknowledged and recorded as an essential chapter of military history.

Explore how military spouses—through the AAF WFTC Officers' Wives Committees and the Cadet Wives League—created powerful support systems during WWII. These often-overlooked women solved real challenges like housing, employment, and healthcare, shaping military life behind the scenes. Their legacy still echoes in today’s military spouse experience.

Before she was the first First Lady, Martha Washington stood beside a general—and unknowingly became the blueprint for generations of military spouses. Her role went far beyond Valley Forge; she traveled to camps, organized supplies, and bore the emotional toll of war alongside her husband. At home, she juggled grief, plantation management, and the brutal reality of slavery. Though she had no guidebook, Martha helped create the foundation for what it means to serve without ra

What if the strongest force in military history isn’t weapons or war—but words? From “dependent” to “camp follower,” language has shaped how we see military spouses: who counts, who’s remembered, and who’s left out. Homefront Archives reclaims that narrative—one story, one term, one voice at a time. Because words don’t just reflect history—they make it. #BehindTheUniform #MilitarySpouseHistory

Military history often marches forward with tales of strategy, valor, and battlefield heroism—but what about the voices left behind? “Military History’s Hidden Front” (my favorite quote) explores the unseen contributions of individuals who sustained and even fought alongside soldiers, only to be overlooked in the official record. Their stories challenge us to rethink what is remembered, and more importantly, what is forgotten.

A reflection on the quiet strength of military spouses—the unseen battles, the lasting impact, and the fierce loyalty that carries on long after the final deployment. Sometimes, simply living the story is the bravest thing of all.

Anna Maria Lane wasn’t looking to make a statement — she was fighting to survive and stand by her husband. Disguised as a man, she battled through the Revolutionary War, earning a rare pension and a place in history. Her name is finally resurfacing 250 years later.

Let's be real — this blog is part love letter, part war cry, and a historical mixed-tape of all the stories that got left behind. I'm diving

For centuries, military spouses have stood as silent pillars behind service members, with their contributions often overlooked in the military.

Silent Ranks, Powerful Voices: Rethinking Military Wives in Military History Military wives have long stood in the margins of history—labeled, overlooked, yet essential. This work challenges traditional narratives by re-centering their stories in military history. From policy-shapers to cultural anchors, their impact is real. It’s time we ask: what if the silent ranks were never silent—they were just unheard?

I explore untold stories in military history—especially the overlooked roles of military spouses. As a veteran, spouse, historian, and museum curator, my journey led me to uncover how women shaped strategy, logistics, and legacy. Through research, writing, and relentless curiosity, I’m reframing what—and who—counts in military history. It’s time to move military spouses from the footnotes to the front lines of our historical record.

Frustrated by how little had changed for military spouses across centuries, I turned to the archives. As a veteran, historian, and spouse, I began tracing the overlooked impact of military families. Spouses weren’t just “dependents”—they were advocates, strategists, and change-makers. This project isn’t a memoir; it’s a mission. It’s time military spouses moved from the margins into the center of military history.

After 25+ years of global moves, deployments, and duct-taped boxes labeled “Misc,” I finally unpacked—not just the stuff, but the stories. My military life has been shaped by resilience, laughter, and the quiet strength of those who serve and stand beside the uniform. From my time in the U.S. Air Force to life as a military spouse and now as a curator of military history, this is my space to explore the grit, grace, and unforgettable moments in military history that deserve t