Women’s History Month

Visitors to the Center this March can participate in a variety of events in honor of Women's History Month. During the Philadelphia Girl Power show, visitors can learn about the remarkable women who have called Philadelphia home, such as Betsy Ross and Marian Anderson, among others. During the Women of Power show, visitors will explore extraordinary women throughout history and the issues they faced while trying to secure equal rights.

Visitors also can take a self-guided tour that explores the struggles and triumphs of American women as they worked together to gain equality as citizens. Look for the Women's History Month stickers highlighting the following artifacts and displays throughout our exhibits:

• Women in Revolutionary Philadelphia. Thimbles, oil lamps and other objects give us a glimpse into the lives of the revolutionary women who once lived and worked in the bustling neighborhood where the Center now stands.
• The American National Tree. At interactive touch screens, discover the remarkable stories of inspirational American women. Among our favorites is Dr. Mary E. Walker, the only woman in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
• A Convention in Seneca Falls! In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton brought together an extraordinary group and gave them the tools they needed to declare women's rights! She even borrowed language from America's founding documents to support her cause.
• Votes for Women and Beyond. Susan B. Anthony and other suffragists led the charge to amend the Constitution and extend voting rights to women, but their work did not stop there!
• Equal Rights Amendment. Suffragist Alice Paul was known for stirring things up! She organized protests at the White House and authored the original proposal for an Equal Rights Amendment.
• Justice O'Connor's Robe. Sandra Day O'Connor broke the glass ceiling when she became the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. Check out her judicial robe and see how she added her own style to this traditionally male outfit.

225 Years of Constitutional History

The Constitution is 225 years old this year, but over the 130 years passed after its signing before it was amended to give American women the right to vote. Without a voice at the ballot box, women looked to other means to make their onions heard. The 19th Amendment, which was based off a draft by Susan B. Anthony, was first proposed as a constitutional amendment in 1878 but was ratified in 1920.

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 to be National Women’s History Week. By Presidential Proclamation, Carter called on Americans to commemorate the unsung contributions of American women of years past. Carter said, “I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality–Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul. Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people.”

Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month

• Do-Now Classroom Discussions!
  How can People who are unable to vote ensure their opinions are heard in the upcoming elections?

• Women of Power Lessons
  • Elementary-PDF
  • Middle-PDF
  • High school-PDF

• Read and comment on the blog.
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