Women’s History Month is in full effect, and Chicago is kicking it off the right way. With events ranging from tea experiences, brunch, and movie screenings, the Windy City is the place to be.
The month-long celebration began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. To correspond with International Women’s Day, the week of March 8 was chosen by organizers to inform local Santa Rosa citizens on the strength and importance of women in history. The movement spread across the country and resulted in many communities initiating their own Women’s History Week celebrations in 1979. After years of local recognition, since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
With hundreds of events, both in-person and virtual, to attend, here’s a list to help Chicago citizens and individuals traveling to the city stay in the loop.
1. Women’s History Month Walk— March 12
Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County on a hike highlighting conversation leader Isabel Bassett Wasson, the work and discoveries she made at Thatcher Woods and beyond. Registration is required, but the event is free to attend.
2. Women’s Wonderland: A Virtual Experience— March 14
Enjoy a trivia game with Chicago Public Library about women from different countries and learn about the influence they’ve had on music, literature, fashion, art, and education, all from the comfort of your own home. This event will take place on Zoom, but registration is required by 10 a.m. on March 14.
3. Create A Scratchboard Etching— March 19
Chicago Public Library continues to roll in its celebratory events with art! Create a scratchboard etching with inspiration from works of historical women in art. This event will take place in person at 8148 S. Stony Island Avenue. Registration is required.
4. Film Screening: Hidden Figures— March 27
This Chicago Public Library event highlights women, specifically Black women, through their in-person film screening of Hidden Figures. As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA enlisted a talented group of African American female mathematicians that served as the brains of one of the most significant operations in history. This screening is suitable for all ages, but masks are required.
5. Pivoting In Heels, NFP’s “Tea Experience”— March 27
Dress up in your best “High Tea” attire and join Pivoting in Heels, NFP, for a tea experience you won’t forget. This event will occur in person at London House on 85 E Wacker Dr. at 3 p.m. Tickets are currently $95.
Visit the official Chicago Public Library website for more Chicago events celebrating Women’s History. It’s imperative to highlight and show appreciation to the women who’ve paved the way for us this month and beyond.
—
Blavity U Ambassador Lashaunta Moore is a graduate student at Columbia College Chicago, studying entrepreneurship for creatives. Moore has a bachelor’s degree in media communication, and she’s also a freelance journalist and digital content producer.
