Women’s History Month evolved from a student project at Sonoma State University in California, north of San Francisco. Students began to work with the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. These students organized the first Women’s History Week in 1977 and the idea quickly spread to other cities and states.

In 1986, school districts, museums and libraries requested more time be allowed for celebrating women’s history, and since 1987, Congressional Resolutions have declared a National Women’s History Month.

In 1992, the month of celebration had been directed by Presidential Proclamation.

“They chose the week around March 8, 1911 as International Women’s Day, and it spread through Europe to Asia,” said Dr. Graves, Professor of History and Women’s Historian.

A 19th century suffragist named Matilda Josyln Gage stated, “women are being denied ‘the right to do,’ and when she has done, denied the credit for doing it.”

Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th amendment on August 26.

When you walk in the library, there is a glass case showing women who pioneered the way for us today.

This is on view for the celebration of Women’s History Month.

UTM offers an inter-discplinary minor in women’s studies that took effect fall of 1997 when Dr. Graves came to the university.

There are 15 classes offered in this minor.

The UTM Faculty Women’s Club is hosting the 2nd Annual Women’s Luncheon and Lecture Tuesday, March 25th noon in the UC ballroom.

Tickets are $5 for the buffet lunch and can be purchased at the UC information booth.

Dr. Graves will introduce Professor Anna Clark as this year’s speaker on the pioneering life of Beatrix Potter.

“Students are encouraged to come and you do not have to pay if you are just coming for the lecture by Professor Clark.

This is a time for women and men to get together and celebrate women’s contributions to history,” said Dr. Graves.