Updated: March 1, 2024
The first Women’s History Day was held in New York City in 1909. The day became Women’s History Week in 1978. In 1987, it became Women’s History Month. Since 1995, every president has issued a proclamation declaring March Women’s History Month.
The National Women’s History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women’s History Month. The 2024 theme 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 of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Visit womenshistorymonth.gov for March 2024 events.
National Women’s History Month traces its origins back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day was later observed in 1909. In 1981, the U.S. Congress designated the second week of March National Women’s History Week, and in 1987 Congress expanded it to a month-long observance. – American Library Association
Historian Gerda Lerner once wrote that “Women’s history is women’s right—an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” Understanding the context and significance of women’s stories and accomplishments, as well as the long history of women’s activism and the fight for universal rights, is central to the education of all Americans. – NYC Department of Education
The month of March celebrates the contributions women have made throughout history in science, politics, law, sports, the arts, entertainment, and many other fields. While figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Rosie the Riveter, and Betty Friedan are often associated with Women’s History Month, there are countless extraordinary women who have earned their place at the table. Consider inventor/actress Hedy Lamarr, scientist Dian Fossey and mathematician Katherine Johnson, astronauts Sally Ride and Mae C. Jemison, authors Maya Angelou and Amy Tan, and contemporary directors Kathryn Bigelow and Ava Duvernay. Explore biographies, videos and articles that celebrate all of these women’s historic achievements. — biography.com
National Women’s History Museum
President’s Proclamation on Women’s History Month 2022 – The White House
Women’s History – Biography.com
21 Women’s History Month Facts – Woman’s Day
Women’s History Month: How It Started and How to Celebrate – ET Online
Women’s History Month 2022 – History
The Ms. Guide to Celebrating Virtual Women’s History Month 2022 – Ms. Magazine
American Women Quarters Program – U.S. Mint
What to Watch | Women’s History Month 2023 – PBS
Learn About the Half of History Missing from Many History Books – ThoughtCo.
Women’s Contributions Throughout American History – Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
CWNY Curated Resources
American Black Women’s History
American Hispanic/Latina Women’s History
Native American Women’s History
Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Women’s History
CWNY’s “First But Not the Last” Women’s History Month social media posts on women who have helped put cracks in the glass ceiling:
Kamala Harris: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Sally Ride: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Kim Ng: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Edith Wharton: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Gitanjali Rao: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Deb Haaland: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Kate Stoneman: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Michelle Howard: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Genevieve Earle: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Dr. Rachel Levine: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Kathy Hochul: Facebook, Instagram