The month of March marks the official celebration of Women’s History Month in honor of women’s vital role and contributions in American History. What do we know about this month-long event?
The origins of this national celebration date back to 1911 and began with a single day — March 8 — being commemorated in various countries, in some shape or form, as International Women’s Day. Finally, in 1977, the United Nations officially recognized this international celebration.
In the United States, during the 70’s, local communities informally extended the event and started celebrating Women’s History Week during the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The week-long festivity became popular and in 1980 President Jimmy Carter issued the first proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.
Subsequent Presidents continued to recognize the event until the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress that the month of March 1987 be designated as “Women’s History Month” (Pub. L. 100-9). Afterwards, from 1988 to 1994 Congress passed resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to make an annual proclamation.
Since 1995, every President — Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump — has issued an official announcement declaring the month of March as “Women’s History Month”. Communities across the country came to realize the importance of this period as a time to celebrate women’s accomplishments, and reflect upon issues of equality, education, and opportunities for women across the country (https://womenshistorymonth.gov/about/).
By now, you are probably asking … Why March? Well, it’s a bit of a serendipitous history. Many milestones for women’s history coincidentally (or not?) have occurred during the month of March. A few examples are: the first major suffragist parade was on March 3, 1913 in Washington, D.C.; the National Woman’s Party, a group that promoted women’s suffrage, became an official entity in March 1917; Title IX, prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded educational programs, passed the Senate on March 1, 1972; and the Equal Rights Amendment (though not yet fully ratified) passed the Senate on March 22, 1972. Although it may or not be a coincidence, one cannot deny that the month of March holds a star in women’s history (https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/01/us/womens-history-month-why-march-trnd/index.html).
Famous and ordinary women have shown their strength and resilience throughout our history. Some of them still touch our lives on a daily basis — a friend, a family member, a teacher or sometimes women we don’t even know personally. As social beings, we tend to look up to people who hold certain principles or talents we admire, and who are leaders in activities or fields with which we identify. We at CDPL would like to invite you to meet some of these women who have made history. Their biographies and memoirs provide a window into their thoughts and, sometimes, an understanding of their actions. Below are a few suggestions for your consideration:
• “First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies” by Kate Andersen Brower (920 Bro) paints an intimate picture of one of the most challenging positions in politics – the First Lady.
• “Headstrong: 52 Women who Changed Science — and the World” by Rachel Swaby (920 Swa) profiles the lives of 52 exceptional women who have worked hard (and succeeded) in advancing science around the world.
• “Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women’s Fight for Their Rights” by Mikki Kendall (GN 305.4209 Ken) is a graphic novel about key figures in women’s rights history around the world.
• “Those Wonderful Women in their Flying Machines: The Unknown Heroines of World War II” by Sally Van Wagenen Keil (940.54449 Kei) is a well-researched book about an often unrecognized group of exceptional WWII pilots.
• “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly (510.92 Lee) is an award winning biography that tells the story of a group of black female mathematicians at the forefront of NASA accomplishments in 1950’s.
• “Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War” by Karen Abbott (973.78 Abb) focuses on the untold history of ordinary women who fought in the Civil War under a variety of roles.
• “Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation” by Cokie Roberts (973.3 Rob) despite mixed reviews, it sheds a light on the history of women whose husbands, fathers, sons and brothers were prominent figures of their times.
• “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land (921 Land, S.) is the story of a journalist who worked in low-paying domestic work under wealthy employers. A staggering account about poverty in American society.
• “Educated: by Tara Westover (921 Westover, T.) born into a family of survivalists in the Idaho mountains, Westover was 17 before attending school. Her memoir tells of her quest for knowledge leading to Harvard and to Cambridge University.
These and many other wonderful titles celebrating women’s history in a variety of fields (art, politics, science, daily life …) are available at our library. Come to CDPL, check out our materials, and find more about the women who make history — you may just find another inspirational voice who will become part of your life.
Ivette de Assis-Wilson, head of reference and local history at the Crawfordsville District Public Library, contributed this week’s column.
