Dear Friends,
Since before the founding of our nation, women have been instrumental in shaping our country’s values and direction. Starting in 1995, we set aside the month of March each year to recognize the achievements and impact that women have had on our nation’s history.
Although our history classes make mention of suffragettes like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, there are many female historical figures who made great strides in different fields of work who have gone unnoticed. Sojourner Truth was a former slave who used her powerful voice and writing to spark conversations around abolition and women’s rights in the U.S. Rosalind Franklin’s images of the DNA molecule led to the understanding of its structure, but three male scientists were credited with its discovery instead. Millions more women have advocated for change, contributed to the workforce, and pulled and tugged at the American spirit.
It is important to tell these neglected stories from our past and recognize the countless accomplishments that women have made.
There are many events throughout Chicago celebrating Women’s History Month. Below are some of the events open to the public.
Citywide Events
Celebrating Irish Women
Thursday, March 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Edgewater Library
6000 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Early 20th century Ireland found women engaged in three main causes: workers’ rights, suffrage and Irish freedom. Maureen Smith from Loyola University will take a look at these causes and prominent figures from this time period including Countess Constance Markievicz and Dr. Kathleen Lynn. For more information, click here.
Women’s History Film Screening: Amelia
Friday, March 8, 2-4 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605
Summary of the film: From the time she first sits in the pilot's seat, aviatrix Amelia Earhart (Hilary Swank) feels destined to achieve great things. Beginning in 1928, she sets a number of aviation milestones, including numerous speed and altitude records, and was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. In 1937, Amelia undertakes her greatest challenge of all: to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by airplane. For more information, click here.
International Women’s Day Edgewater Crawl
Friday, March 8, 5-8 p.m.
The Edge Off Broadway Theatre
1133 W. Catalpa Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
Edgewater will be hosting a night to celebrate women-owned businesses. Come drink and mingle as you go along the route and explore what Edgewater has to offer. This event costs $35 for the general public. For more information, click here.
Film Screening: “The Rest I Make Up”
Monday, March 11, 4-6 p.m.
Crown 210 at Loyola University
1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660
Women’s studies and gender studies will be sponsoring a screening of the film “The Rest I Make Up.” The film is about the life of Maria Irene Fornes. For more information, click here.
Cinema Harold: Hidden Figures
Wednesday, March 13, 2-4 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605
Summary of the film: As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. Based on the unbelievably true life stories of three of these women, known as "human computers," this film follows them as they quickly rise the ranks of NASA alongside many of history's greatest minds specifically tasked with calculating the momentous launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit and guaranteeing his safe return. Based on the book Hidden Figures. For more information, click here.
Women’s History When You Do the Work
Wednesday, March 13, 6-7 p.m.
Chicago Bee Library
3647 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60609
This event will host a family friendly personal development workshop performed by Courtney Winfrey and Ryan Hendry, who will focus on three self-improvement topics: setting purposed based intentions, goal setting and igniting your personal drive. The program is intended to engage the audience in being more mindful when thinking or planning their future goals. For more information, click here.
Truth Telling: Frances Willard and Ida B. Wells
Thursday, March 14, 5:30-8 p.m.
Northwestern University, Harris Hall, Room 107
1881 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208
This event is a community history project of the Frances Willard House Museum and Archives. In the 1890s, Woman’s Christian Temperance Union President Frances Willard and journalist and activist Ida B. Wells fought internationally for Wells’ anti-lynching campaign. Under Willard’s leadership, the WCTU eventually passed resolutions opposing lynching, but Willard’s language and actions complicate her legacy. Registration required at https://franceswillardhouse.org/. For more information, click here.
Borrow an Entrepreneur: Celebrating Women’s History Month
Friday, March 15, 10 a.m.-Noon
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605
The Human Library project began as a way for people to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to “check out” (sign up for 15 minutes with) a woman entrepreneur. Christen Carter, the owner and president of Busy Beaver Button Company, and Rebecca Wu, a self-published children’s author, will be available to share their experience and knowledge one-on-one. For more information, click here.
Adult Book Discussion: The Woman in Cabin 10
Thursday, March 28, Noon-1 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605
Summary of the book: After a nightmarish break-in, British journalist Lo Blacklock is exhausted but happy to board an exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, on assignment. However, when she awakens to the sounds of a woman being thrown overboard, a real nightmare begins in earnest. For more information, click here.
