January/February 2006 Editor's Note Founding a New Nation Women of Influence News analyst Cokie Roberts talks with NEH Chairman Bruce Cole about the role of American women in politics. A Life in Letters The irascible John Adams shows a different side in his writings to his wife Abigail. By Maggie Riechers The Man Who Modernized Money Alexander Hamilton shapes the future of America. By Laura Wolff Scanlan "The Man of Sense" Benjamin Franklin learns diplomacy from continental thinkers. By Alan Houston Humanities Honors 2005 National Humanities Medalists Awards go to eleven individuals and a presidential papers project. Recording the Past Riding High Photographer Ralph R. Doubleday captures the early days of rodeo. By James Kaiser Around the Nation In Focus Idaho's Rick Ardinger has a passion for printing. By Sarah Kliff