Blanche Ames was born into a prominent New England family in Lowell, Massachusetts. Her father, Adelbert Ames, was a Civil War general and later governor of Mississippi, and her mother, Blanche Butler Ames, was a writer and advocate for women's education. This intellectually stimulating and politically engaged environment undoubtedly shaped Blanche's own progressive views and activism.

Blanche Ames attended Smith College, where she excelled in art and developed her intellectual curiosity. She studied art under Dwight William Tryon and received a B.A. in 1899. Smith College provided a supportive environment for female intellectuals, further fueling her independence and empowering her to pursue her passions.

Blanche Ames married botanist Oakes Ames, a Harvard professor specializing in orchids. While marriage presented challenges for women seeking independent careers at the time, Blanche found a way to balance her domestic responsibilities with her artistic pursuits and activism. Their marriage was a partnership based on mutual respect, though not without its inherent gender imbalances of the era.

During this period, Blanche focused on raising her family and developing her artistic skills. She produced numerous paintings, illustrations, and sculptures. Notably, she also began inventing. She secured patents for inventions like a triangular-shaped shovel designed for digging, reflecting her practical ingenuity and desire to improve everyday life.

Blanche Ames became deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement. She used her artistic talents to create powerful political cartoons and illustrations for suffrage publications. She actively campaigned and spoke out in support of women's right to vote, contributing significantly to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Following the achievement of suffrage, Blanche Ames turned her attention to advocating for birth control rights. Recognizing the importance of reproductive freedom for women's autonomy and well-being, she became a vocal supporter of birth control access. She founded the Birth Control League of Massachusetts in 1916, an affiliate of Margaret Sanger’s American Birth Control League, and she fought tirelessly to legalize contraception and provide educational resources.

Blanche Ames published 'Drawing America,' an instruction manual for drawing. This reflects not only her artistic skills, but also her desire to share her knowledge and empower others through education.

Blanche Ames Ames passed away at her home in North Easton, Massachusetts, at the age of 91. Her death marked the end of a life dedicated to art, invention, and social justice. She left behind a legacy of creativity, activism, and unwavering commitment to women's rights.