In times like these it's good to consider our history and know that we'll keep going and growing.

It's March...Women's History Month

Please read this very brief history of our celebration of women's history, and be reassured that change can happen.

Women in the United States won the right to vote in 1920. Then the women's movement began again in the 1960s and there was quick realization that women were invisible and ignored in American history books. The traditional study of history was focused on politics and the men --our leaders-- who influenced political events. Activist women historians began changing and expanding the whole field of history to include social history and issues of urban life, public health, ethnicity, education, marriage and more. The study of history was transformed and since then almost every college offers courses and degrees in women's history.

The celebration of women's history in this country began in 1978 as Women's History Week in Sonoma County, California. The week including March 8th- International Women's Day- was chosen for the annual celebration. Then in 1981, Senator Orin Hatch (Republican- Utah) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (Democrat- Maryland), co-sponsored a joint Congressional Resolution to make Women's History Week an official, national celebration. Imagine, a positive bi-partisan project! Then in 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March became Women's History Month.

So what does difference does a month make? Women are now part of our study of history. Women are making history with growing leadership roles in government and business--public and private sectors. The curriculum materials for students of all ages have changed. Women's History Month has inspired essay contests in schools, special programs and local and national resolutions.

The 2009 theme is Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet. Rachel Carson, the founder of the environmental movement is being featured. One hundred women are honored for their leadership in protecting our environment. For more information visit the National Women's History Project website- nwhp

Think about how huge and recent this change has been! Head to your library in person and online to keep track of where we've been, where we're going.and where YOU want to be. At your library you are Free2 plant history and grow tomorrow.