March, usually a time of Irish celebration, also acts as Women’s History Month in the United States. Here are some places in Connecticut observing women’s impact on American history.
Bristol: The Bristol Public Library will be hosting “Women’s History Month: The History of Women in the Connecticut State Police” on Tuesday, March 7. From 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., retired Connecticut State Police Sergeant Jerry Longo will be giving a presentation about women in the Connecticut State Police. As the Chairman of the Connecticut State Police Museum and author of Images of America: The Connecticut State Police, Mr. Longo will be addressing the importance of women in the CT Police force.
Hartford: Trinity College in Hartford will host a discussion on March 9, “Hartford Black Mothers Raising Bridges over Troubled Waters.” Sponsored by the Women & Gender Resource Action Center, this discussion will explore the dynamic between black women and mothers from the Caribbean, Africa, and the United Stated. WGRAC’s event will be held in Terrace Room C of Mather Hall at 4:30 p.m., featuring Trinity alumna Channon Miller ’11.
Another event hosted at Trinity College will be “Ruling Your Life’s Runway,” with motivational speaker and supermodel Stacey McKenzie. On Tuesday, March 23, McKenzie will speak about issues of diversity, societal beauty standards, and girls’ and women’s empowerment. It will be held in the Washington Room of Mather Hall at 12:15 p.m..
The Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library will present a panel discussion: Women in STEM. On Wednesday, March 8 from 5:30 PM – 7 PM, the CHS will discuss challenges facing women entering science, technology, engineering, and math careers. The panelists will also provide information about innovative programs encouraging girls and STEM, while they tell stories about their own STEM careers.
If you are interested in learning more about women’s role in Connecticut and America, take a visit to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford. Stowe (1811-1896) was a social injustice activist and a published author of over 30 books, including Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Born in Litchfield, Stowe was one of Connecticut’s most influential women.
New Haven: Yale University’s Working Women’s Network will host a series of events throughout Women’s History Month. On Thursday, March 9, the WWN and Future Leaders of Yale will welcome Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund to discuss the status of paid family leave initiatives in CT. From 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. in 55 Whitney Room 369, the WWN & FLY will share policy information and how to get involved in the campaign. On Tuesday, March 21 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., the WWN will hold an artwork viewing at the Yale University Art Gallery. On Wednesday, March 29, from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., the WWN will put on a Recognition Award Ceremony at the Sterling Memorial Library Lecture Hall. This celebration will award one woman employed at Yale who has been an exemplary member of her community.
The Scene
Old Saybrook: Or learn more about another beloved character in Connecticut’s history, Katharine Hepburn, 4-time Academy Award winning actress. Visit the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate), which celebrates the passion and commitment to arts and culture of Katharine Hepburn.
West Hartford: Elmwood Community Center in West Hartford will engage in the discussion “After Women’s March: Which Way Forward?” exploring the direction of the women’s movement following the national and international women’s marches this past Jan. 21. The discussion will be held on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
