Henrietta Buckmaster facts for kids

Henrietta Delancey Henkle (born March 10, 1909 – died April 26, 1983) was an important American writer and activist. She is better known by her pen name, Henrietta Buckmaster. She wrote many historical books and novels. She was also very active in the Civil Rights Movement, working to make sure everyone had equal rights.

Who Was Henrietta Buckmaster?

Henrietta Buckmaster was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1909. Her father, Rae D. Henkle, was an editor. Her mother was Pearl (Wintermute) Henkle. Henrietta grew up in New York City. She went to two schools there: Friends Seminary and the Brearley School.

A Writer for Freedom

Henrietta became a journalist and author. She wrote many books, especially historical ones. She also reviewed books for a while. A main idea in her books was human freedom. She often wrote about American slaves and women.

In 1944, she received a special award called a Guggenheim Fellowship. This award helps people do important research or creative work. A famous writer named W.E.B. Du Bois helped her get this award.

Her most famous book is Let My People Go. This book tells the story of the Underground Railroad and the Abolition movement. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Abolition movement worked to end slavery. People praised her writing because it was factual but also very exciting. She combined careful research with a strong belief in people's rights.

Fighting for Rights

Henrietta Buckmaster was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement fought for equal rights for all people, especially African Americans. She also worked to protect the rights of Native Americans and prisoners. She was one of the leaders of a group called The Committee for Equal Justice. This group worked to make sure everyone was treated fairly by the law.

Her Personal Life

Henrietta was married for a short time to Peter John Stephens. During this time, she sometimes wrote under the name Henrietta Henkle Stephens. She passed away in 1983 at the age of 74 after a short illness.

Books by Henrietta Buckmaster

Here are some of the books Henrietta Buckmaster wrote:

• Tomorrow Is Another Day (1934)
• His End Was His Beginning (1936)
• Let My People Go (1941)
• Deep River (1944)
• Fire in the Heart (1948)
• Bread from Heaven (1952)
• And Walk in Love (1956)
• Lucy and Loki (1958)
• Flight to Freedom (1958)
• All the Living (1962)
• Walter Raleigh: Man of Two Worlds (1964)
• Paul: A Man Who Changed the World (1965)
• Freedom Bound (1965)
• The Seminole Wars (1966)
• Women Who Shaped History (1966)
• The Lion in the Stone (1968)
• The Fighting Congressmen: Thaddeus Stevens, Hiram Revels, James Rapier, Blanche K. Bruce (1971)
• The Walking Trip (1972)
• Wait Until Evening (1974)