March is Women’s History Month! From Juliette Gordon Low to Amanda Gorman, women have made world-changing contributions to politics, science, technology, education, the arts, and so much more through the years. We invite our members to join us in recognizing inspirational female leaders in our region and beyond, including our very own Girl Scouts and troop leaders.
Keep reading for resources to help inspire your Girl Scout to make their own history!
What is Women’s History Month?
In the United States, March has been annually designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation for over 40 years. This observance is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role of women in American history. Women’s History Month started out as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California; in 1980, thanks to an alliance of women’s groups and historians, the month achieved national recognition.
Resources for Celebrating Women’s History Month
Here are some great ways to celebrate Women’s History Month with your Girl Scout or troop.
Leaders are Readers is a family-friendly event that inspires young readers with author read-alouds and book giveaways. Explore the achievements of women throughout history with four books showcasing their enduring influence and ongoing efforts to bring about positive change. Hosted by Dr. Artika R. Tyner, passionate educator, an award-winning author, and civil rights attorney. This free event will take place at Rondo Community Library in Saint Paul.
Join Emily and Kelley of the Wining About Herstory podcast at the History Center of Olmsted County to celebrate Women's History Month! Kelley loves learning about historical women and is excited to share her random knowledge with people. Emily has always enjoyed history and loves learning about the incredible ladies our history books inexplicably forgot to mention. Light refreshments will be provided for this family-friendly event. Tickets range from $5 to $9.
Calling all Swifties! Sing and dance along to Taylor Swift songs at this family-friendly concert. Founded in 2014 by independent concert promoter Peter Shapiro and educator Amy Striem, The Rock and Roll Playhouse is the largest national kid-friendly live concert series, having performed to hundreds of thousands of kids and their families.
Let’s #InspireInclusion together at North Hennepin Community College’s International Women’s Day celebration! This free, family-friendly event will include a community dinner catered by a woman-owned restaurant, a women-led business expo, and a multicultural fashion show. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Celebrate Women's History Month with Mill City String Quartet (MCSQ) at the Minnesota History Center! MCSQ, based in the Twin Cities since 2007, recently won Third Prize in the International Clara Schumann Competition, Professional Chamber Music category. Come hear these outstanding women promote outstanding music composed by women! Admission is free.
Join Mill City Museum and Story Arts of Minnesota, with host Jen Scott, for an evening of storytelling in recognition of Women's History Month. Hear true stories–funny, poignant, and inspiring–from contemporary women inspired by history and women of the past. Tickets are sliding scale (pay what you can).
Food, Fun & Fancy! The Tea Party will recognize the achievements of local women who lead, inspire, and motivate. In the tradition of "High Tea," attendees will enjoy a tasty meal, celebrate the contributions of women, and foster an inter-generational network of support. Dress to impress! Tickets are $15.
Support Local Woman-Owned Businesses and Organizations
First Avenue: This historic live music venue in Minneapolis, made famous by Prince’s 1984 film Purple Rain, has endured for more than 50 years. On top of it being a great place to catch a show, First Avenue blazed trails in March 2020; in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened the future of the live music industry, First Avenue owner Dayna Frank organized the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), a group of independent venues and promoters across the country. The group’s tireless efforts led to the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
Repair Lair: Repair Lair is a Minneapolis shop that specializes in fixing outdoor clothing and camping equipment. They believe that outdoor adventure should be sustainable and affordable. Fun fact: Nancy Ford, the owner and operator, has been a train conductor, a wilderness therapy instructor, and an Antarctic ice core driller!
Silk Road Wellness: Silk Road Wellness is a handcrafted, halal-certified natural beauty and wellness brand inspired by Islamic traditions, halal principles, and Pakistani herbal remedies. Based in Rosemount, the brand was co-founded by Annie Qaiser, who wanted an alternative to skin care products containing synthetics.
She Rock She Rock: She Rock She Rock is a Twin Cities nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls, women and gender-expansive folks through the art of music. Founded by musician Jenny Case, the nonprofit aims to open doors, broaden mindsets and smash gender inequality in the music industry!
Larissa Loden: Larissa Loden is a Saint-Paul-based jewelry store with a mission to help customers look good, feel good, and do good through expressive and unapologetic accessories. The store started as owner and namesake Larissa Loden’s side hustle, and it has morphed into a dream-come-true small business.
Read Books and Watch Films that Spotlight Inspirational Women and Girls
Give that special girl in your life wings to fly with this enchanting book about all the things a girl can do. Whether she dreams of being a vet that heals people's pets, a firefighter that braves the flames, an astronaut floating in deep, dark space, or a fearless jungle explorer, there's nothing that a girl can't do.
The brainchild of three women-of-color sociologists, this book is a smooth, gleeful entry into intersectional feminism. The nine interconnected characters proudly describe themselves and their backgrounds, involving topics that range from physical disability to language brokering, offering an opportunity to take pride in a personal story and connect to collective struggle for justice.
Inspire your inner powerhouse with empowering broadsides with quotes from history's most influential women. With 30 inspirational posters at your disposal, you can cover every inch of your home or dorm room in motivational statements from powerful women who helped change history.
Stories of powerhouse women who pushed for justice in politics, medicine, art, music, religion, tribal leadership, and more. This timely collection of mini biographies highlights 25 champions for justice, includes colorful portraitures of each, and presents actual photos of the individuals.
The history of feminism? The right to vote, Susan B. Anthony, Gloria Steinem, white pantsuits? Oh, but there's so much more. And we need to know about it, especially now. In pithy text and pithier comics, this graphic engages us, educates us, makes us laugh, and makes us angry.
Films
Becoming (PG): Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others as she tours with her book "Becoming."
I Am Greta (TV-14): This documentary follows Greta Thunberg, a teenage climate activist from Sweden, on her international crusade to get people to listen to scientists about the world's environmental problems.
Knock Down the House (PG): Four working class women (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush and Paula Jean Swearengin) run for Congress, overcoming adversity to battle powerful political machines in very different American landscapes.
He Named Me Malala (PG-13): This inspiring documentary tells the story of teenager Malala Yousafzai, who survived a Taliban attack in Pakistan to emerge as a global voice for the education rights of children.
Two women. Half the population. Several thousand years of history. About an hour. Hosted by Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider, this entertaining podcast about notable women throughout time bears no resemblance to a boring history class.
Women’s History in the Girl Scout Movement
GSUSA blog – Get inspired by Girl Scouts making history in their communities! Published March 2023Read more