Time Marches On
From start to finish during March, the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council takes next steps in the wake of suffrage narratives from the 2020 centennial. How did we navigate that suddenly tricky celebratory year? Check out our newsletters!
|
|
But R.I.P., 2020! Move with us into a new year of virtual programming! Below, we feature four programs from the fuller March calendar on our website. First below, note that the Kutsche Roundtable kicks off Women’s History Month. Then follow on down to a description of another celebratory web page launch! All March programming is free and virtual, but please register for online links.
|
|
The Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council will join GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History both to kick off and wrap up its 12th Annual Roundtable exploring how West Michigan women have collaborated to transform their communities. Register for Zoom webinar info with this link.
Monday, March 1st at 10:00 am
On March 1st, join nationally recognized scholars Liette Gidlow & Allison Lange and the GGRWHC’s Sophia Brewer & Jo Ellyn Clarey to trace connections from the earliest efforts toward women's suffrage in the United States throughout 20-century reform movements.
Pictured above: Banner State Woman’s National Baptist Convention in 1915 (Library of Congress)
|
|
Wednesday, March 24th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
The GGRWHC’s Katelyn Bosch VerMerris will provide a singular look at the paid and volunteer contributions of Grand Rapids women during WWI. Women used the upheaval of wartime to balance organization of a home defense at the same time they used the emergency to advance their personal goals. More here! Register for this program wrapping up the 2021 Kutsche Roundtable here.
Pictured: A depiction of WWI women mechanics in the Grand Rapids Herald
|
|
In virtual programs on March 26th and 31st, learn who ran for what when--then check out our new web page’s data from 1887 to 1920. Search alphabetically, chronologically, by political office, occupation, marital status, reform activity, and party affiliation. Join us for a good look!
|
|
A Decade of Upheaval: Grand Rapids Women and Public Office in the 1910s
Friday, March 26th, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The GGRWHC’s Jo Ellyn Clarey will take us back to the 1910s, a heady decade when Grand Rapids women stepped onto the public stage in increasing numbers. Suddenly, they could sophisticate their political games, claim party affiliations, and carry their visions and concerns into more public offices. More here!
This free, virtual program is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Time Traveler Series of GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History. Register here!
Pictured above: Etta M. Smith from her 1920 run for state representative
|
|
Women Who Ran! Seeking Public Office Before the Nineteenth Amendment
Wednesday, March 31st, 7:00 pm
Salute the trailblazing women of Grand Rapids and get a good look at their early runs for public office! In 1919 and 1920 alone, they ran for the Michigan State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives—as well as City Comptroller and State Superintendent of Public Instruction! Learn about the Farmer-Labor Party and celebrate our new web page with us --Women Who Ran!
No need to register for this free, virtual program sponsored by East Grand Rapids Branch/Kent District Library. Just show up at 7:00 pm on KDL Live!
Pictured above: 1936, Grace Ames Van Hoesen, with male members of the Kent County Commission
|
|
During 2021, in all aspects of our work, we will continue to honor the long and costly battle for the right to vote and to run for office and continue to reconsider how more fully and effectively to embrace the women’s histories of our entire community.
Because the challenges of the past year continue, the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council will carry on with all-virtual programming—but stay tuned! And please continue to celebrate with us virtually and in print. Watch for us via this electronic newsletter; follow us on Facebook; find our monthly features in Women’s Lifestyle Magazine; and sign up for our hard-copy newsletter, if you haven’t already, at ggrwhc.org! Stay tuned, stay safe, and stay exercised!
|
|
Stay home and stay safe--but celebrate with us virtually and in print! |
|
Hats off to the historical women who have shaped West Michigan! |
|
Please take a moment to forward this message to others you know who may be interested in women's history. If you've received this message as a forward, consider joining our mailing list in order to receive future updates about programming.
Thank you for your interest in preserving and celebrating the history of the many phenomenal women who've helped to shape West Michigan! If you aren't already a supporter of the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council, consider investing in our work as a volunteer or with an annual donation. Visit our website for more information and the ability to donate online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
