Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to history, culture and society. It is an occasion to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of amazing women throughout history and also a time to recognize gender based inequities that still exist today.
The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.
The Library is commemorating the celebration by highlighting some phenomenal women through these programs (made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library).
March 11 @ 7pm: Faith Ringgold: Artist, Author, Educator, Organizer
Born in Harlem in 1930 and still productive and relevant today, artist Faith Ringgold once said, “Your job is to tell your story. Your story has to come out of your life, your environment, who you are, where you come from.”
Her provocative and politically honest work, which reimagines art history, is born of that commitment. Best known for her story quilts, she also creates politically charged paintings, prints, sculptures, public art, performance art, and more. And at 93 years, she still says there is “a lot of work left to do.”
Presenter Janet Mandel will give you an in-depth look at this formidable woman whose life and works continue to astonish art lovers around the world. No registration is needed to attend this program.
March 21 @ 7pm: VIRTUAL Barbie and Ruth: The History of America’s Most Famous Doll and her Inventor
She might be the most famous doll in the world. For more than sixty years, Barbie has been played with, analyzed, collected, criticized and loved.
Join historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., for this virtual presentation to explore the remarkable true story of the world’s most famous doll and the woman who created her, the passionately creative – and intensely competitive — Ruth Handler. It’s a fascinating account of an extraordinary female entrepreneur and the story of an extraordinary cultural phenomenon.
Learn what inspired Handler to develop Barbie in 1959, how Barbie helped make Mattel one of the world’s most successful toy companies, and what Barbie’s impact has been on American culture.
This program is being presented virtually and registration is required. To register visit the Library events calendar here. The zoom link will be sent the day before the event.
March 25 @7pm: Women of New York
Throughout its history, women have made notable contributions that have helped shape New York city’s social, economic and cultural framework.
Speaker Marty Schneit details the history of women who made significant contributions to New York and the world at large at a time in United States history when full equality for women was not yet recognized.
Marty will talk about the many talented and dedicated women of New York City who made a difference then that still affect us all today and have left a lasting imprint on the modern era.
The influential women that Marty will discuss are Rose Schneiderman, Emma Lazarus, Jane Jacobs, Gertrude Vanderbilt, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Bess Myerson, Alva Smith Vanderbilt, Maya Angelou, Rosalie Ida Strauss, Mae West, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Henrietta Szold, Lina Himmelstein, Bella Abzug and Lillian Wald.
No registration is needed to attend this program. We hope to see you there!
—Archana Chiplunkar, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian