National Women's Month

What better way to get involved with Women's History Month than to read about inspiring women who led the way in showing that women can accomplish just about anything they are determined to do. Visitors can read about women in America who did remarkable work in their lifetimes. Examples include an explorer, a pioneer, a writer and environmentalist, a nurse, and a Finnish immigrant who became a successful businesswoman, advocate for women and helper of other immigrants who came to America. The site also links to an article illustrating the long battle women have fought to obtain equal employment opportunities.

Women's History Week began in 1982 with a resolution from Congress. In 1987, March became Women's History Month. The Library of Congress and other government institutions join together in commemorating the contributions of women. A century ago, five thousand women marched on Washington on the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration to gain the right to vote. Elizabeth Murray was a successful shopkeeper in Boston at the time of the American Revolution. Women served in the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars.

Since 1980, The National Women's History Project (NWHP) has been the leading authority on multicultural women's history for educators, community organizations and parents. They began their mission by leading a coalition that successfully lobbied Congress to designate March as National Women's History Month. Each year, NWHP honors women who have made substantial contributions to our society and continue to inspire us. The Resource Center contains links to many areas of interest compiled by the Women's History Project.

This collection of well-designed lesson plans created by National Park Service interpreters and other professionals ties together women's history with historic locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a fascinating look at how life in America used to be as you examine primary sources such as diaries, maps, photos, financial papers, and other documents. Educators will find information to help them determine how the lessons fit into the curriculum, and readings, questions, and activities are provided to assist in students' understanding of the material. Some of the persons whose lives are examined include Clara Barton and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Throughout the history of the United States, women have struggled to gain rights for all women as well as many other people. They have been leaders in civil rights, suffrage, abolition, social reform, labor reform, and mental health reform. President Reagan first proclaimed Women's History Week in 1982 at the request of Congress. Women's History Week became Women's History Month in 1987. Each year, presidential proclamations remind Americans of the women who contributed to journalism, aviation, physics, environmentalism, and many other fields.

Women have gone from being considered second-class citizens in the 19th century to flying airplanes, being elected to positions in politics, and winning Nobel Prizes and Academy Awards. Just two centuries ago, married women weren't allowed to own property, vote, or voice their own opinions. Women were believed to be inferior to men physically and intellectually. Find out how women united to earn the right to vote and fight for equal rights. Identify the first women to become doctors, lawyers, dentists, college presidents, presidential candidates, senators, diplomats, astronauts, and judges.

Women's International Center presents this page from their larger web site to describe the history of women in America. The textual presentation includes a description of early attitudes toward women, why women have traditionally been considered the weaker sex, and the legal status of women. It also provides a history of women at work, women in politics, feminist philosophies, and the role of women in reform movements and the right to vote. There are many links to additional pages that contribute to this celebration of women.

The Internet Women's History Sourcebook provides you with online documents secondary documents and discussion representative of the history of women according to historical areas and periods. There are approximately eighteen different areas for you to explore that can be accessed through an interactive table of contents. You will find sources related to the historical study of women and human origins. You will also find sources that pertain to women's history in specific geographical locations as well.

Nearly every group in America that you can think of has their own caucus made up of members that are dedicated to making the important decisions that will keep their organization running productively. On this, the official web site of The National Women's Political Caucus, you can read about how this incredible group is working towards helping women get elected into the many positions of power that are to be held in the United States government.

You can learn about the online exhibits of the National Women's History Museum by rolling your cursor over the pictures located on the opening page. By doing this you will find descriptions and links that will take you to the exhibits. You can also roll your cursor over the title, Online Exhibits, and you will find an interactive list of each exhibit. The women's history exhibits provide you with insight as to Chinese Americans, spies, World War II, women's rights, organizations, reform, industry, education, voting Olympics, politics, and African Americans.

From Cleopatra to Harriet Tubman, investigate famous women from history. Cleopatra ruled Egypt more than 2,000 years ago. She successfully managed war, economics, politics, and foreign policy. Harriet Tubman led dozens of slaves to freedom, even though she had seizures from an early head injury. The world would not know Von Gogh's art if it wasn't for his sister-in-law. Melinda Gates leads the world's largest philanthropy foundation, contributing billions to development and health care. Madeline Albright used pins to send a message when she was on the U.N. Security Council. Take a new look at Anne Frank and Annie Oakley.

Men are not the only driving force behind great accomplishments. Women, as well have accomplished great things and this site is a reference guide to all the great women who have made their mark on history. You can search for famous women: architects, journalist, environmentalists, scientists, photographers, historians, social reformers, and many more. The list of occupations and ethnic backgrounds to choose from is diverse and lengthy. Maintained by Ken Middleton (librarian at MTSU Library), this site has been selected as on the 'Best Free Reference Web Sites (2004)'.

Since the beginning of time, women have made important contributions large and small but historically they have not often been recognized until fairly recent times. Encyclopaedia Britannica has chosen 300 women who changed the world, and assembled biographical information, quotes, primary source documents, and multimedia features, including videos, about them. You can search for these women alphabetically by name, by location, by the time in which they lived, or the field in which they are known. There are also suggested learning activities, a timeline, links to other web sites, and a look at women's topics including women's suffrage and Mother's Day.

March is the month chosen to remember the generations of women who have contributed to society in different ways. Our History is Our Strength is the theme as we remember women's achievements and those who serve as role models to today's generation of girls. Dream big and discover how people once dreamed of flying faster than sound and traveling into space. Women dreamed of working in science, engineering, and technology. For women at NASA, those dreams have come true. You could pursue a career in robotics or space exploration.