March is Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month, and the theme this year is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." 

The National Women's History Alliance spearheaded the movement, and throughout this year, we honor women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition. 

The University Libraries celebrates Women's History Month through our displays and events. Check out our collections and streaming videos. Kanopy is highlighting their collection of films that honor women trailblazers throughout the years. You can explore their curated collection here kanopy.com/category/15759.

This year, we are excited to celebrate women's voices with Professor Jill Stukenberg, English Department, who will read from her recently published novel, News of the Air. We also invite attendees to this free event to bring a favorite excerpt to share of a women author you love. 

A nationally recognized celebration throughout March, Women’s History Month originated in 1981 when Congress authorized and requested President Ronald Reagan to proclaim a Women’s History Week. The week selected in March for Women’s History Week coincided with the anniversary of an 1857 strike for better pay and working conditions held by women working in a garment factory in New York City. In 1987,  the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned for Congress to designate the month of March to be Women’s History Month. 

"From the earliest storytellers through pioneering journalists, our experiences have been captured by a wide variety of artists and teachers.  These include authors, songwriters, scholars, playwrights, performers, and grandmothers throughout time. Women have long been instrumental in passing on our heritage in word and in print to communicate the lessons of those who came before us. Women’s stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other."