From Rosa Parks sitting down for civil rights to Malala Yousafzai fighting for the right of every girl to receive an education, there is no shortage of women who have used their voices to change the world. March is Women’s History Month, and we are celebrating by recognizing all the women who have, and continue to, make history.
What is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month is a national celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. March was designated as National Women’s History month in 1987. Here’s a kid-friendly video about how it got started in 1987.
Resources to Celebrate Women’s History Month
Here are some great ways to celebrate Women’s History Month with your Girl Scout or troop.
Attend a local event
STEM Saturday - Simple Machines by Northside STEM [Minneapolis]
Sat, March 4, 2023, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM CST
In celebration of Women's History Month, Northside STEM invites your family to discover how women engineers have contributed to the machines we use daily. Bring your K-8th grade students to STEM Saturday, where they will go back to the basics working through hands-on activities about simple machines.
Mill City Museum – Hear Her Story Celebration [Minneapolis]
Fri., March 24, 2023, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join Mill City Museum and Story Arts of Minnesota for this storytelling event in recognition of Women's History Month. Hear true stories from contemporary women inspired by history and women of the past. The event is hosted by local performer, Jen Scott.
Women of Color in Leadership, Panel Discussion [Saint Paul]
Wed., March 22, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Metro State University is celebrating women of color that have been successful navigating a system that wasn’t created for people of color or women. The Panelists are women that are currently serving or have served in various leadership roles and positions. This event will be held in person at the St. Paul, Dayton’s Bluff Campus.
Women Embracing Equity by NPH USA [Minneapolis]
Sun, March 5, 2023, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos USA (Our Little Brothers in Spanish) for an afternoon of panelist discussions with inspiring women in our community. This year, the International Women’s Day campaign theme is Embracing Equity. The campaign encourages us to think about equity more deeply than ever before.
Read books that celebrate women throughout history
Check out this list of thirteen picture books to read for Women’s History Month which include stories about ordinary and extraordinary girls and women from different time periods, identity groups, and life experiences. Each recommended book comes with two discussion guides: one for educators and one for families.
Listen to a podcast about women who changed the world
Get inspired by listening to the true tales of extraordinary women through the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Podcast. The series is designed to build confidence in kids while they unwind. You can listen online or download the app.
Explore an online exhibit
Women’s National History Museum
Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative online museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. Explore the collection of virtual exhibits and learn about trailblazing women, past and present.
Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
Ranging from insightful exhibitions that feature the stories of American women in history, the arts, and sciences, to learning resources for early learners and adults, on the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum’s website, you will find a vast compilation of inspiring content to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Women’s History Month Exhibit and Collection
Womenshistorymonth.gov has curated an amazing list of hundreds of websites with content highlighting women’s accomplishments in science, politics, art, entertainment, and more.
Learn about women’s history in our region
Minnesota History Center: Votes for Women Online Exhibit [Virtual]
On this website from the Minnesota Historical Society, you will learn about the extraordinary women that fought for the right to vote and how they achieved progress through the ratification of the 19th amendment. This exhibit highlights the historical work that was done both in Minnesota as well as nationally and the continued work in present day.
Women of Mayo Clinic Exhibition [Rochester]
Mon-Fri, March 1-30, 2023, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
This is an exhibition based on Virgina Wright-Peterson's work “Women of Mayo Clinic: The Founding Generation”. Her research in the Mayo Clinic archive led to insights that give voice to women whose stories deserve to be celebrated — and a new perspective on the contributions of women throughout the early years of Mayo’s history. The exhibition is a compelling display of photographs and narratives, accompanied by artifacts from the Mayo Clinic historical collection.
“MinneHistory” Shorts Celebrate Women's History Month [Virtual]
Twin Cities PBS presents short and interesting videos about four women that shaped Minnesota history, Julia B. Nelson, Marie Bottineau Baldwin, Dr. Martha Ripley, and Nellie Griswold Francis.
Learn about the history of the Girl Scouts Movement
Founded at a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing. That small gathering of girls over 100 years ago ignited a movement across America where every girl could unlock her full potential, find lifelong friends, and make the world a better place.
