celebrate
WOMEN'S HISTORY
celebrate WOMEN'S HISTORY month
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” …. In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” … These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. (Women's History Month)
Women's History resources
National Women's History Alliance
The National Women’s History Alliance spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month. Find a variety of resources, articles, and even some quizzes.
National Women's History Museum
A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. You can read a variety of biographies, listen to oral histories, and view online exhibits.
A Mighty Girl was founded as a resource site to help others equally interested in supporting and celebrating girls, and has the largest collection of books, toys and movies for smart, confident, and courageous girls. In addition, they also provide parenting resources and a blog.
Searchable collection by themes, stories, topics, plus online exhibitions featuring stories of American women in history, the arts, and sciences.
Chicago Women's History Center
The purpose of the center is to advance the understanding of Chicago women’s past accomplishments and contributions as a means of enlarging the historical record. Provides lists of activists, bibliographies, and organizations from 1945-2000, plus an ongoing collection of oral histories.
Browse the history of 302 women who have so far been inducted, with contributions in the arts, athletics, business, education, government, humanities, philanthropy, and science. In addition, they also have an online book of lives and legacies, where you can nominate women to be included.
Books & Movies
Adults
Teens
Music & Film
American Experience. The Codebreaker: Wife. Mother. Secret American Hero.
Discover the fascinating story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, the groundbreaking cryptanalyst who helped bring down gangsters and break up a Nazi spy ring in South America. Her work helped lay the foundation for modern codebreaking today. Free to stream on the PBS website.
American Experience. Sandra Day O'Connor: The First
Discover the story of the Supreme Court’s first female justice. A pioneer who both reflected and shaped an era, she was the deciding vote in cases on some of the 20th century’s most controversial issues—including race, gender and reproductive rights. Free to stream on the PBS website.
Hoopla
Celebrate Women's History Month by streaming a variety of music and films from Hoopla, accessible through the Downers Grove Public Library website with your DGPL library card. Search 'Women's History' to find titles. Use the filters to find materials for a preferred audience or format.
For more information or questions email AskUs@dglibrary.org.