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Mavis Lilian Batey, born in 1921, was a remarkable British code-breaker and historian. She played a vital role in deciphering encrypted messages during World War II and made groundbreaking progress in breaking the Italian Naval Enigma machine. After the war, she pursued her passion for gardening and became a renowned historian in the field. She was honored with prestigious awards for her contributions to garden conservation and her immense impact in preserving cultural heritage.
Alice of Dunk’s Ferry, an African-American slave, toll collector, and centenarian, was known as “one of Black America’s early oral historians.” Despite being enslaved, Alice was respected for her sharp memory and her ability to vividly recall people, places, and events. Her recollections provided valuable insights into the development of Philadelphia. Throughout her long life, Alice had notable interactions with prominent figures and became an esteemed local historian, earning the nickname “Alice of Dunk’s Ferry”.