WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

March is recognized across the country as the month to celebrate and recognize the amazing contributions of women.  It began as a small event by women who had noticed that there was a lack of education in schools about the many contributions of women in history.  Women organized locally and regionally to fill this huge gap by providing presentations in schools and organizing community programs to raise awareness.  The recognition of women's historic achievements on a national level began in 1980 when President Carter proclaimed the first National Women's History Week.  By 1987 this event was expanded to an entire month.  Here in Tallahassee, our City and County Commissions have always proclaimed March as Women's History Month. 

Our own Department of State has posted many historic women on their Florida Memory site.  Go to www.floridamemory.com and explore the state archives, paying close attention to the Collections site.  It gives you access to archival collections, family papers, folklife, and collections of truly amazing women here in Florida.  Think Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Roxy Bolton, Zora Huston, Jackie Cochran, to name just a few.  Check out the videos portion, along with the audio.  You'll enjoy exploring our incredible women.

You can view national honorees at www.nwhp.org , and while you're at it, make sure you read Hedy's Folly. It's the story of movie star Hedy Lamarr, who was also an inventor.  And, make sure you say a nice thank-you to women everywhere next time you turn on your windshield wipers or your dishwasher.  Both of them were invented by women!