Top Ways To Celebrate Women's History Month In Philadelphia
As a woman of today, it is easy to take for granted the strides and difficulties women have overcome over the years. The right to vote for women only occurred in 1920, and equal rights is something that has made much progress but is still a struggle in some areas. March is Women's History Month and a great time to learn all about women's history in Philly.
Celebration of Women's History Month: Panel Discussion
Montgomery County Foundation
4 Sentry Parkway East, Suite 302
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(484) 532-7387
www.wifstricountypa.org
Date: March 11, 2015
Celebrate women's history by networking and spending time with other women at a Celebration of Women's History Month at Montgomery County Foundation. A panel will be headed by Virginia Franz and Jocelyn Wright. The Women of Insurance and Financial Service is a dedicated group looking to fill its group with like-minded and strong individuals with the hope of advancing them in business by empowering them and guiding them to work at their full potential.
The Color of Science
Franklin Institute
222 North 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-1200
www.fi.edu
Date: March 13, 2015
The Franklin Institute regularly celebrates innovation and science and is full of contributions from both men and women. March can be a good month to visit to check out exhibits and marvel at our advances as a species. The Institute also has a "girls only" program called STEM which is for girls in grades 9-12 who have a passion for science, math and technology. The Institute selects about 15 girls for weekly workshops. On the evening of March 13, there will be a free panel of STEM professionals including Jayatri Das, Chief BioScientist of the Franklin Institute, who will showcase many experiences and successes of women in science.
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Classy Broads and Daring Dames Tour
3822 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 228-8200
www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org
Date: March 21, 2015
"Classy Broads and Daring Dames: The Ladies of North Laurel Hill" will be presented in honor of Women's History Month at Laurel Hill Cemetery. This walking tour will feature the many prominent women who are buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, the city's oldest cemetery and a National Historic Landmark. Laurel Hill is a huge place of 78 acres and the country's first rural cemetery. It has ongoing events all year long.
Mural Arts Tour
Mural Arts at the Gallery
9th & Market St. Level 2
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-3633
www.muralarts.org
The Mural Arts Project of Philadelphia showcases some fantastic female artists such as Meg Saligman, Ann Northrup and Michelle Ortiz. You have the option to either take a guided or self-guided tour of the over 2,000 murals. Travel by antique trolley or take the walking tour (it is about two miles and can take two hours). This walking tour also includes a stop at the Mural Arts Studio and gift shop; guests can leave the tour at any of its stops.
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org
Date: March, 2015
The National Constitution Center regularly has displays and exhibits that showcase the power of women, including a self-guided exhibit titled "We the People" which highlights important moments in women's history and showcases items like the retired robe of Sandra Day O'Conner. In March, there will be an additional event titled "Women of Power" that will spotlight some of the extraordinary women in history who fought for freedom and equality, such as Susan B. Anthony, Deborah Sampson and Dolley Madison. You need to register for this (costs is $14) but the fee also includes museum admission.
Upstairs Downstairs Tour
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
200 W Tulpehocken Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-1861
www.ebenezermaxwellmansion.org
Date: March 6, 7 p.m.
Head to this historic West Germantown home for a special tour focused on the challenges Victorian women -- of all social classes -- faced. The docent-led tour concludes with a champagne reception and great conversation, and reservations are required.
Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
