Dive Into Women's History With These Digital Offerings
(Washington, D.C.) — The transformative nature of war has impacted women throughout time, serving as a bridge to new roles traditionally held by men, be they in the military, business, medicine, farming — or even family life. While the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War brought widespread strife, these conflicts also demonstrated what women were capable of when opportunities arose, showing them thrive under stressful circumstances. Take, for instance, Prudence Cummings Wright, who organized a female militia of 30–40 Massachusetts townswomen dubbed the “Minutewomen” and successfully blocked the British from entering her hometown of Pepperell, Mass., in April 1775.
Current conditions prevent many museums and cultural institutions from welcoming guests to their permanent exhibitions or hosting public events. However, many entities have seized the chance to put a spotlight on the critical — and diverse — roles that women have played in our country’s past using digital programs and presentations to welcome interested parties from across the nation and around the globe. The American Battlefield Trust recommends these online programs and exhibits as we celebrate Women’s History Month!
March 9, 2021: Looking to the Ladies — Engaging Women of Louisiana
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for this virtual program inspired by recent changes to the Louisiana Period Room at the DAR Museum. This talk will highlight some of the more notable contributions women made in the state's history. Participants can register to attend via Zoom or watch live on YouTube. Learn more.
March 10, 2021: Connections and Conversations — Harriet Tubman and Black Women's Activism
Many of us know about Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and passionately fought for freedom and equality in the 19th century — but she was not alone! The Boston National Historical Park will be hosting a virtual program that looks beyond Tubman to the Black women of Boston who became leaders in their communities by raising their voices, busying their hands, and inspiring others to organize against slavery, Jim Crow laws and racism. Learn more.
March 11, 2021: Women’s Lives in Revolutionary America — A Teaching Exploration with Historian Karin Wulf
Tune in to this virtual program hosted by the Museum of the American Revolution, as they welcome author and historian Dr. Karin Wulf to discuss the lives of everyday women in Revolutionary America. In particular, she’ll explore the ways in which 18th-century women’s stories may deviate from our common perceptions of them as wives and mothers in practice or “in training.” Dr. Wulf will also give tips for how to incorporate these new narratives in the classroom. Registration is required for this free program. Learn more.
March 13, 2021: An Afternoon with Libbie Custer, Wife of Gen. George A. Custer
Join Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site as they virtually welcome Libbie Custer (AKA Kim Harris of Western History Alive). The program will include a portrayal of Libbie's life after General Custer's death, when she lived in Bronxville, N.Y., a few miles from St. Paul's Church. Participants will need to register for this program through e-mail. Learn more.
March 16, 2021: Lucy Stone — Make the World a Better Place
Despite leading both the women's rights and abolitionist movements, Massachusetts’ own Lucy Stone is often absent from history. So, join the Boston Public Library and the Boston National Historical Park for this virtual program and learn why this titan's work was so integral to the nation's evolution. Registration is required. Learn more.
March 17, 2021: Faces of Civil War Nurses
During the American Civil War, women on both sides of the conflict contributed to the war effort in countless ways: forming charitable societies, becoming nurses, or even marching off to war as vivandières, unofficial attachés to the regiments. Listen in virtually on Zoom as Ronald S. Coddington, hosted by the Civil War Round Table Congress, talks about the experiences of women of all ages and walks of life who provided care during the war as nurses, aid workers, and vivandières. Registration is required. Learn more.
March 18, 2021: When the Women Returned: The Difficult Journey Home for Women in the Military
Presented by the Independence Seaport Museum, listen in on the real-life experiences of women veterans as they explain how military women adjust to civilian life when returning home from war. If you’re interested in hearing from this panel of accomplished, valiant women, you’ll need to register for this virtual Zoom program. Learn more.
March 20, 2021: Women of the Chesapeake Campaign
Jump on Zoom with Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to explore the stories of women who experienced the challenges and terror of the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Learn about women who witnessed the destruction of Washington, sewed the “Star-Spangled Banner” and those who stood between their homes and the torches of the Royal Navy. No registration required, but children under 12 must be accompanied on Zoom by an adult. Learn more.
March 21, 2021: Invisible Warriors — A Film Screening and Discussion with Gregory Cooke
Join the DC Public Library for a film screening of Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II, which looks to the first Black women to work in industry and government and features interviews from Black “Rosie the Riveters” who recount what life was really like during World War II. In addition to watching the film, you’ll hear from the film's creator, historian and filmmaker Gregory S. Cooke. Registration is required. Learn more.
March 30, 2021: “Equal to the Occasion” — Boston's Women and the Underground Railroad
During the first half of the 19th century, countless men, women, and children escaped from enslavement by way of the Underground Railroad. This virtual program from the Boston Public Library and the Boston National Historical Park examines the many ways the women of Boston became critical contributors to the Underground Railroad, forever changing the lives of the freedom seekers who sought refuge in their city. Registration is required. Learn more.
March 30, 2021: The Agitators — Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights
Virtually join the National Archives Museum as they take a look at the lives of three friends — Harriet Tubman, Martha Wright and Frances Seward — in mid-19th-century Auburn, N.Y., and tell fascinating stories of abolition, the Underground Railroad, the early women’s rights movement and the Civil War. Participants can register to attend online or watch live on YouTube. Learn more.
March 31, 2021: Overcoming Challenges — Women in the Military
Originally forbidden to serve on the battlefield, women in the military gradually won victories: more responsibilities and access to all the service academies and basic training. Finally, in 2015, women were finally permitted to take part in leadership roles and physical combat, putting them on equal footing with their male counterparts. Presented virtually by the National Archives Museum, broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien will moderate a discussion about the evolution of women’s roles and responsibilities in the U.S. Armed Forces. Participants can register to attend online or watch live on YouTube. Learn more.
Ongoing: When Women Lost the Vote — A Revolutionary Story, 1776 – 1807
Functioning as both an in-person and online exhibit, the Museum of the American Revolution explores — as no book, exhibit, or other medium has before — the little-known history of the nation’s first female voters and examines the political conflicts that led to their voting rights being stripped away. Learn more.
Ongoing: Ancestry.com on “Finding Women's Maiden Names”
One of the most difficult things a family historian faces is tracking the women in their family. Made easily accessible on YouTube, learn from Ancestry’s Corporate Genealogist Crista Cowan as she shares tips on how to discover the maiden names of the women in your family! Watch here.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 53,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
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