Discover Women's History in Erie

March is Women’s history month, a month set aside to honor all the contributions women have made to our society throughout history. The celebration actually began in 1978 and was a weeklong celebration. The celebration was expanded to a month in 1987 by Congress.  A major factor that contributed to the emergence of women's history was the women's movement of the sixties. This movement caused women to question their lack of mention in the history books, and inspired women to do more to be a part of history.  These historical figures became role models to the next generation of women.

The stories of what women have achieved throughout history have been either overlooked or undervalued. Women’s achievements have been minimized, disregarded, and left out of history books. We take one month of the year to remember the contributions of the extraordinary, as well as the common women in history, in hopes that the day will come when it will be impossible to teach or learn history without remembering these contributions and achievements.

I encourage you to take some time during this month to learn about key figures in women’s history. Go to the library and look for books, surf the web, or attend an event that highlights women’s contributions to history. Hopefully these women and their stories will inspire you, as well as, a whole generation of children.

Women’s History Month Event Guide

The following is a list of women’s history and related events taking place in Erie county this month.  If you would like to add an event, please email us at info@eriesprout.com.

March 2
Wedding Dress Exhibit: View wedding dresses from the 1800s and 1900s. 
March 2 through May 2, Wednesdays - Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sundays, 1-4 p.m.
Watson-Curtze Mansion, 356 W. 6th St.  Cost: adults, $5; senior citizens, $4; children, $3. 
Info: Call 454-1813.

March 5
Book Signing: Marjorie D. McLean signs her book, “Lawrence Park.”
Saturday March 5, 1:00 p.m., Werner Books, Liberty Plaza.
Cost: Free.  Info: Call 864-1565

March 7
Council of Women’s Organizations celebrates Women’s History Month
Monday, March 7, 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30.
Keynote speaker, Andrew Adamus, Erie County Historical Society. 
Cost: $25; make checks payable to CWO and send to Mary Ann Little, 5426 Lakeshore Drive, Erie, PA 16505.
Info: Call 833-9082.

March 15
Women’s History Event: “Ask For It! Women and the Power of Negotiation.”
Presentation by Sara Laschever
Tuesday, March 15, 7:30 pm., Walker Recital Hall, Mercyhurst College
Cost: Free.  Info: 824-2548.

March 18
Play: “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf”
Friday, March 18, 8 p.m.
Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St.; annual Alex Clemente Fundraiser.
Cost: $15.  Info: Call 871-7261.

March 19
Project Abolition: program of dance, poetry and music centered on the issue of human trafficking.
Saturday, March 19, 7p.m., and Sunday March 20, 2 p.m.
Taylor Little Theatre, Mercyhurst College
Cost: Free; donations will be accepted.  Info: Call 824-3866.

March 22
Women Rock! Celebrating Women’s History Month:  Women’s History Month commemoration looks at women’s contributions to history, culture and society.
Tuesday, March 22, 8 p.m., Alex Theatre, Mercyhurst North East
Cost: Free.  Info: Call 725-6277.

March 25
Women in Leadership Development Conference:  The 4th annual W.I.L.D. conference
Friday, March 25, registration starts at 7:45 a.m., at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center.   
Cost: $150 per person through March 11; $200 per person from March 12 to day of conference.
Info: Call 871-7232 or visit www.gannon.edu/sbdcgannon/events.

March 28
Step Afrika: dance performance
Monday, March 28, 7:30 pm, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Cole Auditorium 
Cost: $10.  Info: Visit www.edinboro.edu or call 732-2518.

April 5
Dynamic Dozen: Women Making History
Tuesday, April 5, 7:00 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst College. 
Cost: Free.