March is Women's History Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
| Utilize this LibGuide to locate library and other information sources that emphasize women's accomplishments and experiences, particularly in relation to American history. The U.S. Congress initially authorized a week-long celebration more than 40 years ago, marking the start of the event. In March of 1987, the inaugural "Women's History Month" was declared. |
Why do we celebrate Women's History Month? In this video, you and your kids will learn about the significance of women's history. For much of world history, only males wrote and published stories about the past. This was because women were not treated equally to men for much of U.S. and world history. For example, in colonial America, women could not own property or vote in elections.
Except for a few places, females did not go to school. If they were at private academies, women were not taught the same subjects as men. While men learned to read, write Latin, world history, and math, women were taught what was known as "domestic arts," or how to manage a household. It was thought that a woman didn't need education because she was supposed to work at home. Can you imagine that in modern times?
The reason we dedicate an entire month to women’s history is that women have worked tirelessly, without recognition, and frequently at significant risk, to build the country we know today. For example, you probably know the names of Abigail Adams and Harriet Tubman. But have you ever heard of Eleanor Dare? How about Mary Chilton?
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8 National Women's History Week. One year later, Congress joined with the president by passing a resolution declaring the week of March 8 as the official start of National Women's History Week. Seven years later, Congress passed a law authorizing the president to proclaim March as Women's History Month, and it has been celebrated ever since.
