For Local Blog in MinneapolisHonoring March – Women’s History Month
March 7th, 2009
Before the 1970’s, the topic of women’s history was largely missing in our k-12 educational system and from general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978 and chose the week of March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The celebration was met with positive response, and schools began to host their own Women’s History Week programs. The next year, leaders from the California group shared their project at a Women’s History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Other participants not only became determined to begin their own local Women’s History Week projects but also agreed to support an effort to have Congress declare a national Women’s History Week.
In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cosponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution proclaiming a Women’s History Week.
In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. Since then, the National Women’s History Month Resolution has been approved every year with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.
Growing Interest in Women’s History
The popularity of women’s history celebrations has sparked a new interest in uncovering women’s forgotten heritage. A President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in History in America recently sponsored hearings in many sections of the country. It took reports about effective activities and institutions that are promoting women’s history awareness and heard recommendations for programs still needed. The Women’s Progress Commission will soon begin hearings to ascertain appropriate methods for identifying and then preserving sites of importance to American women’s history. In many areas, state historical societies, women’s organizations, and groups such as the Girl Scout of the USA have worked together to develop joint programs. Under the guidance of the National Women’s History Project, educators, workplace program planners, parents and community organizations in thousands of American communities have turned National Women’s History Month into a major focal celebration, and a springboard for celebrating women’s history all year ’round.
In honor of those who have gone before us, we encourage you to comment below and take a look at the following resources to share with others.
The Smithsonian has an interactive gallery of some of twentieth century America’s most famous and influential women. It is called: Women of our time.
For more women’s history month resources click here to see America.gov
For a list of teaching activities check out the World Book Encyclopedia site
Book Covers from the award winning Bur Bur and Friend’s children’s book series: Bur Bur and Friends is a cast of multicultural characters who educate kids about sports, outdoor exploration and active play though their experiences.
Seed Newsvine
March 8th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Thank you so much for this thought provoking post. It is amazing how far we have come in such a short time. In the 70’s I worked in a male dominated field and recall going into job interviews where I would be asked if I would be able to take care of my children and work. I also recall in the early 70’s women were not allowed to have checking accounts. We should celebrate our heritage and how far it has brought us!