The President’s Commission on

Susan B. Elizabeth the Celebration of Anthony Cady Women in Stanton American History March 1, 1999

Sojourner Lucretia Ida B. Truth Mott Wells “Because we must tell and retell, learn and relearn, these women’s stories, and we must make it our personal mission, in our everyday lives, to pass these stories on to our daughters and sons. Because we cannot—we must not—ever forget that the rights and opportunities we enjoy as women today were not just bestowed upon us by some benevolent ruler. They were fought for, agonized over, marched for, jailed for and even died for by brave and persistent women and men who came before us.... That is one of the great joys and beauties of the American experiment. We are always striving to build and move toward a more perfect union, that we on every occasion keep faith with our founding ideas and translate them into reality.” Hillary Rodham Clinton On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the First Women’s Rights Convention Seneca Falls, NY July 16, 1998 Celebrating Women’s History

Recommendations to President William Jefferson Clinton

from the

President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History

Commission Co-Chairs: Ann Lewis and Beth Newburger

Commission Members: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, J. Michael Cook, Dr. Barbara Goldsmith, LaDonna Harris, Gloria Johnson, Dr. Elaine Kim, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Irene Wurtzel

March 1, 1999 Table of Contents

Executive Order 13090 ...... 1

Meeting Overview...... 2 Findings ...... 3 Recommendations...... 4 The National Agenda ...... 4 The Community Agenda ...... 6 Women's History in the Nation's Capital ...... 12 Federal Government Activities ...... 14 A Challenge and an Opportunity for Popular Culture...... 17 We Recognize ...... 18

Appendix ...... 20 Commissioners’ Biographies...... 20 Meeting Venues...... 21 Speakers List...... 21 Acknowledgements ...... 26 “The Commission shall make recommendations to the President, through the Co-Chairs of the Commission, on ways to best acknowledge and celebrate the roles and accomplishments of women in American history. Recommendations may include, among other things, the feasibility of a focal point for women’s history located in Washington, D.C., and the use of the latest technology to connect existing and planned women’s history sites, museums, and libraries. The Commission shall meet to carry out its work concerning the celebration of women in American history.”

xecutive Order 13090 estab- —Executive Order 13090: Establishing the President’s Commission received in the open meetings of the lished a Presidential Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History Commission, by letter and through our E to recommend how America July 2, 1998 website. We hope this report will also should recognize the contributions of convey the enthusiasm with which the women to our nation’s history. In itself, Commission was greeted as we traveled the Executive Order was a historical of Women in 1961. William Jefferson when he established the President’s around the country, and the apprecia- document. John F. Kennedy raised the Clinton became the first President to rec- Commission on the Celebration of tion expressed everywhere for the issues affecting women in contempo- ognize the importance of women’s Women in American History. leadership of President William Jefferson rary society when he authorized the historical contributions to the creation The recommendations offered in this Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham President’s Commission on the Status and development of our country report are based on the suggestions Clinton in making this work possible.

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 1 “We have spanned the arc of history. Our first meeting was in a courtroom where Susan B. Anthony was convicted of voting. Now we meet in the same building MEETINGS OVERVIEW where Madeleine Albright is Secretary of State.” meeting was the need for inclusiveness and diversity. Again and again, speakers o develop the recommendations Ann Lewis urged the Commission to speak for and included in this report and Commission Co-Chair to some of the oft-forgotten. T required by Executive Order 13090, the President’s Commission on the Chicago, Illinois Celebration of Women in American History Canandaigua, New York addressing the need to include women’s The Chicago meeting was held in the traveled to every region of the country. In Our first meeting was held at the Ontario history in our lives and revolved around Claudia Cassidy Auditorium at the each, the Commission held open meetings County Courthouse in Canandaigua, the lack of women’s history in school cur- Chicago Cultural Center. Hosted and solicited ideas from historians, New York. Commission Co-Chairs Ann ricula. A high school student made an by Commissioner Anna Eleanor archivists, activists, academics, business Lewis and Beth Newburger called the eloquent plea for including in her history Roosevelt, the meeting was expanded leaders, students and many others. We meeting to order in the very courtroom book the Declaration of Rights and to two days to accommodate the also heard testimony from other people where Susan B. Anthony was convicted Sentiments, the document endorsed in number of speakers who asked to who came to present their ideas. of voting in the 1872 presidential 1848 to specifically declare the equal- be heard. The themes that emerged The response to our efforts was posi- election. The meeting was held ity of all citizens including women. from members of the public, as well tive and constructive. Not only were there in conjunction with First Lady as from invited speakers, were the tremendous excitement and enthusiasm Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Albuquerque, New Mexico needs to focus on the work of local for the work of the Commission, but many visit to Seneca Falls to The Albuquerque meeting communities and ways to empower invited speakers and members of the pub- celebrate the 150th anniversary was held in the Albuquerque and recognize local programs. lic also noted that the Commission itself of the first Women’s Rights Museum, where an exhibit of was making history. Convention of 1848. Hispanic women at work was on Washington, DC Each of our meetings was held in a The public participation in the first display. Hosted by Commissioner At the meeting in the East Auditorium, historic venue to inspire the dialogue. All meeting was impressive because of the LaDonna Harris, the Commissioners Department of State, speakers meetings were publicized and well enormous attention focused on neigh- heard from distinguished American introduced a macro approach to attended by the public. The invited speak- boring Seneca Falls that day. Each of the Indian scholars and prominent Latinas. women’s history recommendations. ers represented the full range of diverse Commissioners presented his or her vision They also heard testimony from Molly The Commission heard from respected cultural backgrounds and issues of impor- for the work we would do as we devel- Murphy MacGregor, co-founder and women’s leaders including Betty tance to women. oped our recommendations. The public president of the National Women’s Friedan, Eleanor Smeal, the Honorable discussion revealed an intense interest in History Project. A recurring theme at this Pat Schroeder and the Honorable

2PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY “As a working grandmother, as a trade unionist, as a woman of color I want two things to come from this Commission. First, I want the voices of all women to be Louise Slaughter. The women gave the colleges talked about the need to reach heard at this celebration. Well known women and meeting a modern historical context, young people. Georgia was recognized linking the work of our foremothers to unknown women, women from the inner cities, farm for its leadership in establishing the first the more recent professional and women, migrant women, educated and uneducated, state historical initiative to memorialize political struggles. National groups, women in the fields and the mines as well as the the lives of women, i.e, the Georgia such as the General Federation of schoolrooms, hospitals and offices. Second, I hope the Commission on the Preservation of Women’s Clubs, National Woman’s information that is being documented and collected all Women’s Historical Landmarks. Party Sewall-Belmont House and the across the country will be shared with today’s working National Council of Women’s women and their children. Women factory workers Organizations provided guidance on should learn not only about their own history but about FINDINGS how to connect national projects with women scientists, musicians and poets. Our children community action. We also heard should know the stories of their mothers and he Commission found that from archivists who discussed the need grandmothers and great grandmothers because then there is growing interest in the to change the way historical they will know what they themselves are T field of women’s history, with documents are catalogued to increase parallel growth in research and capable of doing. ” the visibility of women. scholarship. The result is a body of information in new books, articles and Gloria Johnson Berkeley, California Commissioner journals, a coordinating council for “History is who is the historian and who women in history to encourage collects history. History is also today and networking at local and national levels, what is tomorrow.” programs that empower these new Inspired by a message from Coretta Scott and conferences for historians and Sara Kaplan American women. There was strong sup- King, many of the speakers invoked the historic sites. There is more attention to port for the notion of a traveling words and spirit of Dr. King, Jr., as a the importance of preserving the papers When professors and graduate students museum, the use of murals and a guiding force in all efforts toward of women pioneers and an increasing gathered at the University of California at video project that would be equality and greater emphasis on oral history projects to Berkeley, a frequently expressed theme attractive to young people understanding of fellow preserve the stories of women in every was that more “recently arrived immigrant and non-English speakers. women and men. walk of life. women (Latino, Asian and others) must Speakers focused on issues There is also a growing trend to pre- be included in the process of celebrating Atlanta, Georgia important to women and urged serve women’s historical sites. women in American history.” Several The meeting in Atlanta at the Martin the Commissioners to include Community organizations and volunteers speakers stressed the need to recognize Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site lesbians, women with disabilities, non- have stepped forward to develop inno- that history is today and what happens was held during the celebration of Dr. traditional religious groups and women vative ideas, such as the women’s park tomorrow. They strongly recommended King’s birthday and hosted by of diverse cultures in any built this past year in Yellow Springs, OH. that there be support for local community Commissioner Dr. Johnnetta Cole. recommendations. Students from local Women’s history museums, either

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 3 “As a historian I have observed how, whenever women leave the barricades, things slip back and we become invisible again. As Frederick Douglass said, ‘There is only planned or open, including the one way: Agitate, Agitate, Agitate.’ Every tool at our RECOMMENDATIONS International Museum of Women (San disposal, whether it is the use of the performing arts, or a Francisco, CA), the Women’s Museum: visual medium, or technology, should be utilized so that he recommendations that follow Institute for the Future (Dallas, TX), the women’s history will become as much a part of our lives as represent a distillation of the Women’s History Museum on Wheels brushing our teeth, so that people will know the Women’s T hundreds of ideas presented to (Wheeling, WV), Women of the West Declaration of Rights and Sentiments that states, ‘All men the Commission and suggest ways to (Boulder, CO), the Women In Military celebrate women in American history and women are created equal,’ as well as they know that Service For America Memorial Foundation that will have the greatest impact into (Washington, DC), the National Cowgirl other Declaration of Independence.” the next millennium. This millennial Museum and Hall of Fame (Fort Worth, agenda begins at the national level, Dr. Barbara Goldsmith TX), the National Women’s Hall of Fame reaches across the country with Commissioner (Seneca Falls, NY), the Women’s Rights 10 recommendations for states, National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, NY) • more emphasis on bringing history volunteers and community activists. The communities and local organizations, and the National Museum of Women’s to life by connecting exciting National Women’s History Project is an recommends a focal point in the nation’s History (Washington, DC ). academic discoveries with excellent example of a young organization capital and provides a challenge to the We can be proud of the leadership in community celebrations, with (just 20 years old) that has succeeded in rais- popular culture. this area by federal agencies, including the school classrooms and with the ing the national awareness of the importance National Park Service of the Department popular culture venues of women’s history by designating March THE NATIONAL AGENDA of the Interior, National Archives and • more attention to ways we honor as National Women’s History Month. Records Administration, Department of our past, through The National Women’s History We Recommend Education, General Services Administration, acknowledging the roles Project was cited again and again Design and Display a Traveling Exhibit NASA, Library of Congress, White House that women have played as a national resource deserv- Office of Women’s Initiatives and Outreach, and imagining a future in ing greater support. A constant “Whatever is done to celebrate and the White House Millennium Council. which women’s lives and theme was the request for more women in American history, more peo- As appreciation of the value of recog- achievements are fully valued. attention and support for work specif- ple will experience it if the celebration nizing women’s history increases, we find While professional historians, archivists ically dedicated to women’s history and comes to where they live, rather than an even greater demand for: and academics lead efforts to recognize and — because women do not live separately having people come to the celebra- • more public recognition of the document women’s lives, much of the work from men and families — for more atten- tion...Use traveling interactive exhibits contributions women have made to in site preservation and community cele- tion to women’s lives as a part of existing to celebrate women’s history... building this country brations has been undertaken by dedicated historical celebrations and sites. Emphasize ways to reach young

4PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY women...Focus on ways that women lic spaces. Another version of the exhibit who made life possible with better and bet- nature of the project. can make a positive difference....” will be specifically designed for children, ter opportunity for everyone...Every Possible partnerships would include Dr. Janet Hauber with interactive features. We anticipate community has a local heroine even if they sponsorship by the General Federation Math/Science Network that this exhibit would travel to local chil- have not discovered her yet.” of Women’s Clubs and others who agree dren’s museums. The Honorable Louise Slaughter to sponsor local celebrations and events “Traveling exhibits which include To be selected to host the exhibit, Congresswoman, Rochester, NY with inclusive host communities. The posters, postal cards and other memora- local communities would be expected guidebook would be privately under- bilia...The exhibit should feature electronic to organize an inclusive, representative Much of the work done by women, written and distributed through all media such as videos and interactive com- host committee. We believe that the individually as volunteers and as mem- organizations and local officials partic- puter programs.” attention generated by this exhibit would bers of clubs and organizations, has ipating in the local events. Dr. Barbara Woods also encourage local celebrations that occurred in local communities. Association of Black Women Historians would feature the achievements of Women founded libraries, hospi- We Recommend women in these communities. tals, schools and parks, but Build a National Women’s History The Commission recommends creation The traveling exhibits might many women pioneers have Umbrella Website of a traveling exhibit that tells the story of spend three weeks at each gone largely unrecognized women’s history and can be installed in location. Allowing a fourth because most local histor- We recommend the development of an communities throughout the country dur- week for travel and set up, the ical sites identify only the men interactive website that would serve as an ing our millennial year. The exhibit will be two versions would reach 24 com- who lived there. umbrella for women’s history sites. made up of panels that feature nationally munities in one year and about 45 To increase awareness of the impor- Regularly heard throughout the and locally prominent women in pictorial communities if the exhibit were funded tant roles local women have played Commission hearings was the growing displays accompanied by their stories. The for two years. throughout American history, the importance of Internet technology in dis- national women will be selected by a jury Commission recommends that a hand- seminating information. There is a growing of professional historians and academics. We Recommend book be published to guide array of excellent women’s history sites, Women from the local community will be Write and Distribute a communities in recognizing and cele- such as the Assumption College selected by the exhibiting institution for How-To Community Handbook brating local women. The handbook (Worchester, MA) U.S. Women’s History inclusion in the display. could describe in greater detail several Workshop website (at http://www.assump- The Commission recommends building “No community should talk about its his- of the recommendations in this report. tion.edu/whw/). The Commission two versions of the exhibit. One will be tory, its past or its Founders Day without It should also include guidelines that recognizes the value of an accessible, well- designed for libraries or other limited pub- talking about the contributions of the women would ensure the diverse and inclusive publicized site that would link to the large

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 5 “In addition to celebrating the rich ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of your community, why not celebrate your local heroines—the women who made a difference in your community—with an event that tells their stories and leaves a permanent exhibit behind?” number of sites already in existence or Ellen Lovell years have I learned that Tennessee was Millennium Communities Handbook likely to emerge. The Commission also the last state to ratify the 19th amendment, Published by the White House Millennium Council recognizes that a centralized point of entry that my grandmother was the first woman will provide searchers with a gateway that in her county — Humphries County,TN can heighten interest in the subject, “The courtyard of one of the major — to vote in 1920, when my mother was encourage academic collaboration and THE COMMUNITY AGENDA banks turned out to be the site of a three years old and my grandmother was expansion with minimal duplication and church where they met to organize the about the age I am now!” generally enrich the body of knowledge. WOMEN’S HISTORY IS EVERYWHERE: suffrage movement in Denver—half men Linda Muir A recurring suggestion from numerous 10 IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING and half women. We went to see the head BellSouth experts in women’s history was the impor- IN COMMUNITIES of the bank and said, ‘You are so fortunate, tance of oral histories in telling the stories can you believe what historic grounds you The year 2000 will mark the 80th of women in their own families and 1. We Recommend: are on?’ They were horrified...Finally anniversary of the passage of the Women communities. Thus, the Commission rec- Women Win the Right to Vote: they agreed to a little plaque in the Suffrage Amendment to the Constitution— ommends a site that would feature oral Tell the Story of Suffrage courtyard. That is our big com- the greatest expansion of democracy on histories and links. in Local Communities memorative for women in a single day in our history as a nation. For The proposed site would be a Colorado. That is embar- 72 years, ever since that first convention costly and time-consuming endeavor. “I started looking in rassing.” in Seneca Falls, NY, women in ever- However, given the interest of technol- Colorado, which is the first The Honorable increasing numbers worked to win the ogy companies in this project, the place on the planet where men Patricia Schroeder full rights of citizenship. They went door- Commission believes a technology part- voted to give women the right to Congresswoman (Ret.) to-door asking for signatures on petitions. nership could be created to sponsor and vote...So we went around and we did They stood on ladders on street corners maintain the site. not find one statue in the state for women. They had statues for buffaloes, “I am here as a daughter, a grand- covered wagons, you name it—but daughter, a sister, a niece, a wife, a mother, nothing for women. a grandmother....Only in the last four

6PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY “Eleanor Roosevelt was a prolific writer, a habit born of the last century, but her product describes the twentieth century in personal terms. Unpacking her scattered archives will continue to reveal insights into our nation’s history for decades and generations to come.” and wagons parked at crossroads giving The Commission heard from many Anna Eleanor Roosevelt speeches to anyone who would Commissioner speakers—especially those with profes- listen. They published their own news- sional expertise as librarians, preservationists papers, organized massive parades and and archivists—about the need to allocate precinct-level political campaigns and 2. We Recommend “The hidden women... women about serious resources to the identification and picketed the White House. They encoun- Find the “Hidden Women:” whom extensive material is actually held preservation of original material. Diaries, tered insults, ridicule, abuse and even jail Develop Access and Archives but [who] remain invisible because the letters and other records enable scholars to to win the rights first promised in the material is contained in collections whose study and document the history of women’s Declaration of Independence. “A graduate student at a distinguished titles do not indicate their lives, yet much of this material sits unmarked We recommend celebrating the Eastern university was looking for diaries presence...Yesterday one of the speak- and unnoticed. Such material could be the millennial year by commemorating the of rural New England women. She found ers remarked about the homes and source of valuable information that would 80th anniversary of women’s suffrage. them in a large box, uncatalogued and buildings of famous men, ‘there were open history for all of us. Local libraries can organize story-telling marked ‘anonymous.’” women there too.’ The same can be said While we share the excitement of the sessions for children where local lead- Mary Ellen Henry even more forcefully about the papers new work that is already underway in the ers can tell the stories of the brave women American University held in the nation’s archives.” field of women’s history, we realize that and men who achieved the suffrage vic- Washington, DC Ann Newhall more scholarship requires greater access tory. City officials can mark the spot The National Historical to original materials, more attention to where a suffrage meeting was held. “Many women’s historic Publications and Records finding and appropriately cataloguing Community groups can honor the lead- actions and accomplishments Commission material related to women and more ers who organized the campaigns and the have been lost over time. They National Archives and money to make these discoveries acces- state legislators whose votes made the dif- remain uncollected, uncatalogued Records Administration sible to the public. ference. The Commission believes that and unacknowledged. I stress the impor- there is no better way to remember the tance of documenting, researching, “As a biographer of the Founders of the value of our rights as citizens than to honor collecting, preserving and organizing for United States and as a historian writing the pioneers who made it possible. retrieval historic facts, stories, memoirs, textbooks for college students, I have been achievements, actions and accomplish- constantly frustrated by the difficulty of ments of women and making them learning about the lives of women in accessible to the public.” American history.” General (Ret.)Wilma Vaught Dr. Will Randall Women In Military Service For Champlain College, VT America Memorial Foundation, Inc. January 22, 1999

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 7 "As a Comanche woman, I understand the importance of knowing the history of my ancestors and my community. I We recommend the use of supporting also understand the importance of knowing the about women’s history as if women technology, such as the Internet, to facil- contributions of every community, including my own, to the were isolated from one another. We itate the cooperation among institutions culture and accomplishments of American society and the prefer to work together, forming that will make these materials accessible global society. One of the greatest benefits of being included organization and community-based in a useful form. We heard about several in history is to have a sense of who you are and to know that structures.” collaborative efforts to archive materials, you are a contributing member of a larger community." Katherine Tijerina but we also heard that institutions are reluctant to commit resources to cata- LaDonna Harris “Women have made history by logue and digitize the material. Facsimiles Commissioner empowering others. Women have vol- of original documents can be available unteered, pioneered, raised money and everywhere, for scholars and students about 40 focus on women. We increased historic preservation, has been funded by organized to improve schools, work alike, but only if the institutions with cus- it by 40, which means that we doubled the Georgia legislature. Work is now under- places and communities.” tody of the materials make them available. it, but the downside is that still fewer than way to develop a document establishing the Jean Hunt 5% focus on women.” historic connection for women-related his- Chicago Area Women’s History 3. We Recommend Page Putnam Miller toric resources. The initiative will also Conference Discover/Preserve Women’s History: National Coordinating Committee document at least five National Register Establish Statewide Women’s for the Promotion of History nominations for women-related historic sites. “There are tremendously large numbers History Initiatives We commend Georgia’s leadership and of women in our communities making a The state of Georgia has begun an excit- recommend that other states and local his- difference, addressing concerns and issues “Of more than 1,600 listings in the ing new Women’s History initiative to toric preservation societies undertake similar of education, housing, the elderly, and National Register of Historic Places com- integrate women’s history into exist- programs. If every state adopted they make a difference...This needs to be prising over 46,000 historic properties in ing programs that record, Georgia’s goal of identifying five recorded...Start at the grassroots level.” Georgia, fewer than 2 % are listed because document, interpret and pre- women-related historic sites, we Belen Robles of their association with women. Of 1,965 serve historic places. The would add 250 sites in the mil- League of United Georgia historic markers, fewer than 70 initiative will identify and doc- lennial year! Latin American Citizens markers relate to women.” ument historic places associated Leslie Sharp with women, reinterpret already 4. We Recommend An accurate portrayal of women’s his- National Register Program Coordinator identified historic places to reflect our Honor the Work of Women’s tory will include recognition of the and Women’s History Initiative Coordinator understanding of women’s history, and Organizations: important role played by women work- Georgia Department of Natural Resources produce publications, heritage education Build an Honor Roll of Local Volunteers ing together in groups. From the earliest programs and guidebooks to increase days of the Female Anti- “There were approximately 2,000 public awareness. “So much of the important work Slavery Societies to Chicago’s Hull national historic landmarks when we This program, which began with a that women do, we do in groups, House and today’s service organiza- started our project, and of those only regional conference on women’s history and working together. We should not talk tions, American women have organized

8PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY joint efforts to take on some of society’s women and their hidden roles. the site of a dramatic suffrage campaign, it, help with the cost, get it installed.’ And greatest challenges. Women’s organi- a clean milk campaign or a labor strike so we did.” zations led the way in establishing 5. We Recommend led by women workers. Telling the sto- Gene Trolander public hospitals and public parks. We Create Community Women’s ries through a women’s history trail is an Founder, Women’s Park started libraries in new towns and estab- History Trails: effective reminder of the courage shown Yellow Springs, Ohio lished relief organizations for families Develop a Map of Local Women’s by those women pioneers. January 15, 1999 in distress. From campaigns to win the History Sites We recommend bringing students right to vote to bake sales to fund chil- to work on trail projects. Not only Building women’s parks is a creative dren’s programs, women have always “We are working with fourth will the community find a and productive way to commemorate been on the front lines. Individual and fifth graders, teachers, source of enthusiastic the lives of local historical figures and women serving as volunteers have con- the principal, the PTA, the researchers but it also will honor the women who live in the com- tributed thousands of hours to building neighborhood association, the ensure that young people are munity today. In Yellow Springs, Ohio, our communities. Contemporary serv- Colorado Historical Society and a engaged. A history trail designed the Women’s Park was financed through ice organizations continue in that proud couple of local historians to create a by young people is likely to include the sale of tiles with the names of local tradition. women’s history trail. Students are going information that young people find inter- women. These tiles, which honor We recommend that community to do the research. They are going to esting. women and their contributions to the organizations join together to iden- decide which areas should be highlighted. community, their service organizations tify groups that made significant They are going to publish a guide, and 6. We Recommend or their families, are incorporated into contributions to the lives of their cit- they are going to lead tours of the neigh- Create a City Space to Honor Women: the park’s design. The response to the izens and develop a community borhood.” Build a Women’s History Park Yellow Springs Park has been so positive honor roll to memorialize both the Marsha Semmel that park organizers are now planning groups and their individual leaders. Women of the West Museum “In Yellow Springs, Ohio, population to produce a book featuring the women Follow the example of schools and 4,000, practically every public place — on the tiles. hospitals that honor their largest finan- Creating history trails can bring history the streets the buildings, the parks, the Another great example of women’s cial donors with plaques and add the to life in local communities. Trails may schools — they’re all named for men. So parks is the Hillary Rodham Clinton names of volunteers whose time and trace the path of women’s firsts, i.e., the we asked the Village Council for a park Women’s Park in Chicago. This four-acre effort make those institutions possi- first school to admit women, the first to honor women. We wanted to honor green space was dedicated in October ble. Examine the histories of local woman doctor or newspaper publisher all women — everyday women and out- 1997, in honor of the First Lady’s 50th volunteer organizations and the files or engineer, the first woman elected to standing women, past and present. Our birthday. It is managed by a 15-mem- of local newspapers to find these office. Local communities may have been Village Council said ‘OK — if you design ber advisory council in the community.

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 9 "What we say captures what we mean and our perception of reality. That is why I always note that in our country, there are many heroes but there are also many she-roes, too." We recommend that communities con- “I would go to the library every week sider establishing women’s parks. Both Dr. Johnnetta Cole and check out the same book, Clara the informal organization of the Yellow Commissioner Barton, who was the only woman on Springs Park and the more formally struc- the shelf.... I don’t want my niece tured Hillary Rodham Clinton Women’s Designing and placing historic mark- ing sites is also important in helping to Sarah, who’s one year old today, and Park bring elected officials and broad cross- ers can help raise the visibility of make all our historic celebrations more my niece Emily to go to school in the sections of residents together to honor women’s lives and their achievements. inclusive by reminding us that women fourth grade and say, ‘Where are the some of their best-loved and most Every step of the process calls for public lived there, too. women? There are no books about respected citizens. participation—from researching, design- women on these shelves.’“ ing the markers, deciding where to place 8. We Recommend Lissa McLean 7. We Recommend them and finally arranging the ceremony Encourage Young People to Build a Cooperative of actually affixing the markers. Discover Women’s History: “Ignorance isn’t bliss. Think of all the Community Project: We recommend that local govern- Include Youth in a women you’ve missed.” Design and Place Historic Markers ments work with community Women’s History Project The slogan suggested for the organizations to sponsor historic marker millennium by Samantha Claire “Why not create a contest that chal- projects. Local historic societies, “Celebrating women’s achievements Girls Speak Out, Atlanta lenges young people to go out and libraries, religious organizations and in American history needs to start in discover the women whose names belong county and municipal clerks are the classroom because one of Among the most frequent reminders on those historic markers in their own especially rich sources of the things I’m angry about is made by speakers to the Commission was communities?” information about local his- why it took me so long to the importance of reaching out and mak- Linda Witt torical events and sites. learn about so much when ing women’s history accessible to young Women In Military Service for America School children can learn about I’m in college. There are so women and men. College students and Memorial Foundation, Inc. their local communities by work- many women out there, so much teachers told us there is a great deal of inter- ing with these officials while becoming about them I didn’t know...why am I est in women’s history at the college level, “Design a special marker that incor- involved in every aspect of the work. By 20 years old learning about it...when but students too often arrive at college with porates Mrs. Clinton’s theme and place it designing markers and researching sug- there was all the opportunity in the world little or no awareness of that history. prominently at all women’s history sites.” gested sites, children and their leaders when I was in elementary school and Some of the most innovative projects Maxine Scarbro can take history beyond the textbook to middle school?” now underway include efforts to engage Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs the places where women actually lived Mashadi Matabane young people as participants. The increased and worked. Adding markers to exist- Spelman College, GA attention to family tourism means that

10 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY women’s history sites can become family ums in Islamic countries than in the women who contributed time and energy women contributed more than we were destinations. We are particularly glad to United States and Europe combined.” to the life of the community. allowed at the time...We belong side see the growth of women’s history sites on Cathy Bonner The national traveling exhibit rec- by side.” the Internet since technology is becoming Women’s Museum: ommended earlier in this report may Dr. Jane Smith the medium of choice for young people. Institute for the Future, become a starting point for a perma- National Council of Negro Women The Commission recommends that mil- Dallas TX nent collection of stories about local lennial planners incorporate at least one women. Town halls, county courts and “The British historian E.H. Carwas wrote women’s history project that includes “We want to introduce the public...to local libraries are excellent venues for that ‘the great person is at once the rep- young people as planners, researchers, the leadership of the Civil Rights strug- these exhibits, where the installation resentative and the creator of social forces narrators and/or audience. Projects gle in San Francisco in the mid-19th itself becomes a reason to celebrate which change the shape of the described elsewhere in this report, such century, to the potters of the Santa Clara women in American history. world.’...Countless working women were as developing local history trails, historic Pueblo, and to the scientists at Los Communities interested in hosting the brave in exactly that way. What they rep- markers or finding hidden women in the Alamos. At our museum, these women traveling exhibit may register their inter- resented, what they did, has changed the archives are excellent vehicles for involv- will take their places with the history- est on the Commission’s homepage shape of our world. ing elementary and secondary school makers of today.” (www.gsa.gov/ staff/pa/whc.htm). “Rosa Schneiderman, Mary Kenny students. Marsha Semmel O’Sullivan, Florence Rood, Margaret Women of the West Museum 10. We Recommend Hailey...in the name of the Hawaiian sugar 9. We Recommend Boulder, CO Women’s History Is About cane workers, the Somerville laundry Support Local Women’s Every Woman: workers, the millions of other women we History Institutions: A number of women’s Hold an All-Inclusive will never know, I urge you from the bot- Create or Host Exhibits About Women history museums are emerg- Her-itage Celebration tom of my heart to give working women ing around the country. While in American history the recognition they “There are 8,000 museums in America every community may not have the “As you speak of African- deserve.” and fewer than 10 have a female focus. resources to establish a museum devoted American women, don’t put us in that Linda Chavez-Thompson Of the 2,000 National Park Service sites, to women’s history, the Commission rec- chapter all by ourselves....We are American Federation of Labor - fewer than 10 commemorate women. ommends that communities devote some Americans, and we are strong Congress of Industrial Organizations There are more women heads of muse- public space to exhibits honoring local Americans because African-American

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 11 “ The story of America is one of journey and discovery - of many groups and individuals who shared common dreams and challenges, even as their differences shaped “I was at a recent program on women’s our culture. The Hispanic community, itself of have one statue to commemorate history in Washington. It talked about wonderfully varied backgrounds, continues to contribute some of our foremothers placed in women’s history but it did not include us. to every aspect of our society - and understanding America an honorable position in the capitol. The answer was ‘well we didn’t have means knowing and celebrating these stories.” With the new exception of Eleanor enough facts in the last quarter of this cen- Roosevelt, there are essentially no tury.’ So that meant for a quarter of a Dr. Ellen Ochoa monuments in the nation’s capital century I didn’t exist as a person.” Commissioner dedicated to women.” Jeannie Jew Eleanor Smeal Organization of the first black congregation of Catholic in their memberships to tell the stories The Feminist Majority Chinese-American Women women in 1829....” of their she-roines, of how their fore- Sister Dolores Liptak mothers came to this country and what We Recommend “Just as gender provides a means of Trinity College their own lives were like as children. So Designate a Washington, DC, Women’s examining power relationships within a many ethnic bazaars, fairs and parades History Site historical framework, disability similarly At every hearing and throughout our occur across the country, but few are represents power relationships... As a correspondence, the Commission was multicultural and fewer focus on the “Washington, DC, is a town, that if some- woman with a disability who has partic- reminded of the diversity of our accomplishments of women outside the one were to visit one hundred years from ipated in political, social and cultural nation’s citizens and the importance kitchen or the craft room. Capturing the now and examine our monuments and his- developments that have changed the of respecting that diversity in all the memories of first-, second- and third- toric sites, they would assume that the role world for people with disabilities, I think projects we recommend. Just as we generation Americans can both docu- of women was of no consequence and no it is critical that we document the role that want to establish that the only accu- ment their contributions and build a rich importance to building this country.” disability has played in the lives of men rate history is that which includes the tapestry of memories about the women Christine Helen Grumm and women.” lives and accomplishments of who pioneered the community. Judith Heuman women, we are also committed “Of the 197 statues in the Capitol build- U. S. Department of Education to the fact that the only WOMEN’S HISTORY IN ing, only seven are of women.” accurate representation of THE NATION’S Karen Staser “One of the key rules is to be inclusive: women’s history is that CAPITAL Founder [from] working women to the elite, reli- which includes the lives of all National Museum of Women’s History gion, race and ethnicity...If we know the women. “Millions of schoolchildren white Prudence Crandall for her courage The Commission recommends a and adult visitors tour At every hearing, the Commission in educating blacks and the work she did her-itage millennial celebration that rep- Washington, DC, every year. We heard concern about the invisibility of for African-Americans in Connecticut, we resents the diversity within the local have monument upon monument women in Washington, DC, especially should also mention the Haitian immi- community and focuses on the stories of and museum upon museum among the institutions dedicated to teach- grant Elizabeth Lang who in Baltimore in the she-roes who brought their children glorifying our forefathers. ing and celebrating our nation’s history. the 1820s began the first school of young to build a new nation. Religious and serv- Meanwhile the women’s movement The success of the National Museum of women of color and who also organized ice organizations can enlist the seniors has had to fight for seven decades to Women in the Arts and the enthusiastic

12 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY “My son’s history textbooks say that Indians brought ‘us’ corn; blacks gave ‘us’ jazz; Chinese completed ‘our’ railroad and built ‘our’ bridges. When I was young, the few response to the new Women In Military Asian women appearing in the popular culture were lotus resources around the country. A number Service For America Memorial are exam- geisha girls and dragon ladies...Today our children can of speakers urged us to explore the use of ples of the support and interest that await technology in building collaborations choose between contemporary forms of these old serious representations of women’s real among women’s historic sites; a national roles in our lives — the partnership of men stereotypes and absence of images...This Commission will center for women’s history would be the and women that has built this country, contribute to the vitally important work of remembering logical central point for such connections. sustained our families and communities buried histories.” Visitors to our Washington site could be and maintained the viability of our virtually transported to Elizabeth Cady democracy. Dr. Elaine Kim Stanton’s home in Seneca Falls or to any Commissioner We applaud the visionary leadership of the women’s historic sites around the of the founders of new institutions that temporary were cited by speakers before ebrate the rich, diverse heritage of country. Their experience on a virtual his- have emerged in the last decade and have the Commission as examples of obstacles women and bring it into the cultural tory trail might encourage them to travel already become part of the fabric of our to be expected. These very problems add mainstream.” Although it does not yet to the real sites at their next opportunity. lives. By showing what can be done, they emphasis to the importance of creating a have a permanent facility, the Museum stand in stark contrast to almost all of our venue that celebrates women’s history. has already begun to implement its mis- We Recommend other national memorials. That imbal- Thus, the Commission has concluded sion by leading the move to bring the Organize March 2000: A National ance continues to be a source of concern. that appropriate celebration of women’s suffrage statue into the Celebration We do not assume that remedying the women’s history in the next mil- Capitol rotunda. They have also imbalance between memorials that honor lennium should include the launched a virtual museum Many speakers before the Commission men and women will be easy. There are designation of a focal point in cyberspace with an raised the possibility of a national event already a large number of museums and for women’s history in our exhibit on the suffrage move- in March 2000 that would celebrate the monuments in the capital competing for nation’s capital. ment. changes in women’s lives during the last attention and resources with many oth- Several solutions were suggested The Commission recognizes the century and reaffirm our commitment to ers waiting in the wings. The difficulties including a partnership with an exist- complexity of designating one site. even greater change and opportunity in encountered in moving the statue of the ing museum or library or building upon However the focal point is chosen, we the next. Among the suggestions were a suffragist leaders out of the basement of a current historical site. Another recommend that it serve as a destination festival of art and music, an international the Capitol and the fact that the Suffrage approach is offered by the National for families who visit the capital to learn assembly to assess the changes in the exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Museum of Women’s History, whose about our nation’s history and be linked five years since the United Nations American History is still designated as mission is to “preserve, display and cel- through technology with sites and Conference on Women in Beijing and a

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 13 “On the outside of the beautiful new federal courthouse in Boston we have carved in stone the words of Sarah Grimke, the abolitionist daughter of South Carolina who was criticized for daring to speak in public about the evils gathering of young women to make of slavery: ‘Men and women are created equal. They are improve over 2,000 recreational scenic plans for and compare ideas about their both moral and accountable beings and whatever is right and historic trails; and Millennial futures. for men to do is right for women.’ ” Evenings, a series showcasing the best of This celebration was viewed as a American culture and history that are great opportunity for women to come David J. Barram broadcast and cybercast from the White together in Washington, DC, for one or Administrator House. more days. The Commission agrees that U.S. General Services Administration Under the Millennium Council’s newest observing Women’s History Month in project, Millennium Communities, states, the millennial year deserves a very tor, more women are working in the of the scope of projects currently under- cities, towns, communities and Native special celebration. government in mid-level and senior man- way across the government. American tribal councils will receive offi- The Commission recommends that agement positions than ever before. Millennium Council cial designation by planning local projects the National Women’s Millennial Women are starting new businesses and The President’s Commission was that reflect the national theme Honor the Celebration be inclusive and represent account for two-thirds of new business inspired by the First Lady’s concept for Past, Imagine the Future. The handbook for the broadest spectrum of diversity and ventures. Women-owned businesses are celebration of the millennium with the this program includes suggestions for cele- issues that are important to women. It doing business with the government in theme Honor the Past, Imagine the Future. brating women’s history at the state and local should also include local communities record numbers. The White House Millennium Council levels. by virtual participation via the Internet, Agencies of the Federal government was created by the President and First by interactive satellite broadcast or and Congress have also begun pro- Lady to give every American an Department of Education through simultaneous celebrations in grams to recognize and advance opportunity to participate in “Expanding our teaching of history to the cities and towns of America. the contributions of women in meaningful activities to mark include examination of the roles and con- American history. Under the the new millennium, with tributions of all women helps boys and leadership of the Honorable projects involving commu- girls gain a better, more accurate sense of FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Senator Chris Dodd, the nities, elected officials and women’s place in history, which in turn ACTIVITIES Honorable Senator Ted Stevens private citizens. Projects of the increases the aspirations of all children.” and the Honorable Congresswoman Millennium Council so far include Judy Winston Recognition for the importance of Louise Slaughter, Congress authorized the Save America’s Treasures, a public-pri- U.S. Department of Education women’s history and the roles women play Women’s Progress Commemoration Act vate partnership to preserve historic sites, in today’s lives are reflected throughout the to recognize women’s history sites. The documents, art and artifacts; a Millennial The U.S. Department of Education is federal government. As in the private sec- following descriptions give an indication Trails program to create, extend or considering options for using computer

14 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY “When men went off to war, we honored them with monuments in our buildings and town squares. No such honor rolls herald the accomplishments of the women who technology to assess current efforts that house construction program is the largest incorporate women’s history in schools’ fought poverty, disease and social injustice at home.” new Federal building program since the curricula. Identifying these “promising New Deal. In recent years, GSA has Beth Newburger, practices” is the first important step toward made a concerted effort to incorporate Commission Co-Chair encouraging the integration of women’s the legacies of local women in con- history throughout all levels of education struction projects. The exterior and across the country. States, GSA can accommodate women’s discovered that a building in a devel- lobby of the new U.S. Courthouse in The Department is also considering pro- history events and exhibits within its Good oping area of Washington, DC, was Boston feature quotes hand carved in posals for the development of curricula for Neighbor, Living Buildings and Outleasing Clara Barton’s home and office from stone on jurisprudence, justice and free- teaching women’s history through the Programs under authority of the Public 1861 to 1868. GSA preserved the his- dom. Five of these quotes are by Women’s Educational Equity Act Resources Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976. toric building during renovations to the women. Center. Grants will be available to those Interested groups or organizations may area and turned over the archival mate- Notably, the main entrance to the states that include women’s history in their hold meetings, training sessions or lec- rial —including many Civil War Courthouse features a quotation by Leila history standards. The Department will tures and display film, music, dance period newspapers and other Josephine Robinson on the administra- identify the best methods to make this or art exhibits under this pro- documents —to the National tion of justice. The quotation is taken information available to all schools through gram. Additionally, through Park Service for further from the legal brief Robinson wrote the Department’s website. GSA’s Public Buildings study and preservation. seeking, unsuccessfully, to be the first Taken together, these programs can Heritage Program, exhibits on GSA established a website female member admitted to the Bar of introduce women’s history into elemen- historic buildings are placed in the where visitors can explore the Massachusetts: tary and secondary school education, lobbies of Federal buildings. A natural place where Clara Barton worked “The best administration of justice thus ensuring that the rich diversity that extension of this project would be the and lived, from the intimate scale of her may be most safely secured by allow- comprises women’s achievements, con- inclusion of programs about women in living space to a broad view of ing the representation of all classes of tributions and life stories is included in all American history. Washington during the Civil War. Most the people in courts of justice.” children’s education. Clara Barton Historic House — As importantly, GSA required developers Inside the Courthouse a 4-foot by 30- the real estate manager and developer to preserve Clara Barton’s home and foot Registry of Designers and Builders, General Services Administration for the Federal government, GSA takes work space and interpret it for the pub- lists all the people who worked on the Venues for Women’s History Events and care to preserve all historical and lic in a historically accurate way. building. Approximately 5% of the Exhibits—As the manager and owner of socially significant aspects of buildings Incorporating Women’s Legacies in 2,600 names belong to Boston-area 8,300 Federal buildings across the United and construction sites. In 1997, GSA Construction Projects — GSA’s court- women in the construction and electri-

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 15 “Based on workplace demographics, retaining and advancing talented women is critical to the success of every business. But more than being the smart thing to do, it’s also the right thing to do.” cal trades. ing that the voices of women and men The Commission recommends that will join in telling the full story of J. Michael Cook communities take an active role in incor- Commissioner American history. porating local women’s legacies and work in these new landmarks by contacting of the foremost women in American his- NASA Susan Harrison, director of GSA’s Art-in- The National Historical Publications tory, including Jane Addams, Margaret NASA is developing a web exhibit Architecture program at: and Records Commission (NHPRC), the Sanger, Emma Goldman, Elizabeth Cady chronicling the achievements of women grant-making agency affiliated with the Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. in aviation and space during the 20th U.S. General Services Administration National Archives and Records Another Archives publication— century and profiling women who, in Art-in-Architecture Program Administration chaired by Archivist of the “Our Mothers Before Us” the 21st century, will turn science Room 2308 the United States John Carlin, will under- teaching kit—provides schools with fiction into science fact. The last com- 1800 F Street, NW take a multi-dimensional project that exact replicas of early American ponent of the exhibit will forecast Washington, DC 20405 will explore the work of Eleanor women’s petitions. School children futuristic aerospace programs and pro- [email protected] Roosevelt as First Lady, proponent of can see for themselves how women vide links to education and career sites. human and civil rights, and political fig- who were denied the right to vote The first phase of the web exhibit will National Archives and ure. By combining book, film and used petitions to build support for be on-line by July 1, 1999. Records Administration electronic publications and using the such important goals as abolish- As one element of a larger effort to doc- “As a direct result of the President’s most modern publication and ing slavery, fair treatment for ument the history of spaceflight, NASA is Commission on the Celebration of technological media, the American Indians and suf- collecting oral histories of women who Women in American History, we are Commission expects to frage for themselves. have been associated with NASA in var- preparing to launch next year an innova- make these important doc- The NHPRC is dedi- ious capacities. NASA will excerpt tive project to publish the papers of umentary materials available cated to ensuring access to portions for publication in a book, tenta- Eleanor Roosevelt!” worldwide. primary research material col- tively titled Herstories About Space Ann Newhall The Eleanor Roosevelt project will lected from many sources and Exploration. Many of these oral vignettes National Archives and Records draw on the experience of the NHPRC in published under rigorous scholarly stan- will be added to the web exhibit. Administration the Founding Fathers Project and other dards. The Eleanor Roosevelt project When Space Shuttle Columbia lifts off efforts to make available the papers of some marks a significant step forward in ensur- on July 9, 1999, Lt. Col. Eileen Collins

16 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY "Young people, in the throes of creating an identity, are heavily influenced by the popular culture of the day. In the 1800s and early 1900s, women turned to popular will become the first woman to command The group Women in Theater, in Los magazines, where they encountered illustrations of a space mission. To celebrate this historic Angeles, has already discovered the dra- milestone, NASA will convene several motherhood and domestic bliss. Soon other visions matic potential in presenting the stories outreach and educational events for appeared. . . of glamorous women who reflected the sexual of women in American history. During women and girls that will take place at ideal of the day. Bloomer Girls faded into Gibson Girls their March 6, 1999, celebration of the Kennedy Space Center, FL, culmi- who faded into Varga Girls, leaving no doubt about the Women’s History Month, they produced nating in the shuttle launch. The agency importance of good looks for young women and the joys of 40 separate performances in a 12-hour also plans to convene numerous on-line kinder and kuche for mature women." marathon of free theater in and around mentoring programs throughout the year Los Angeles County. Organizer Miriam to allow students to interact with women Irene Wurtzel Reed, herself a performer, hopes to see in various careers at NASA and with Commissioner this celebration become a regular annual prominent women in America. March event “in every city and town of sound and songs, maps and folklife doc- As the film A League of Their Own told the United States—communities every- Library of Congress umentation. This unprecedented effort millions of Americans about women play- where recognizing the contributions of “What’s key about an event such as the will be an invaluable tool for researchers ers in the national pastime, so there are women with performances that praise 1913 Woman Suffrage Parade is that it chron- of women's history, from biographers to opportunities to tell many other stories them.” icles women’s history as well as reflects the documentarians and filmmakers to social about women’s lives of she-roism and The Commission urges our friends in larger context of American history.” and cultural historians. The guide is sched- achievement. The winning of suffrage is the media, who are thinking of plots for Ralph Eubanks uled for publication in the fall of 2000. at once the achievement of a nation- movie and television scripts and radio Library of Congress Publishing Office wide campaign and a story filled with programs, to consider the possibilities drama. Women’s accomplish- offered by these dramatic events. Specialists in 12 custodial divisions of A CHALLENGE AND ments translate into exciting Though a number of fine movies and the Library of Congress are collaborating AN OPPORTUNITY theater. Consider the story documentaries have been produced in on an illustrated guide to the Library's vast FOR POPULAR of the last vote in the state leg- the last 20 years, we believe that the resources on American women's history. CULTURE islature of Tennessee when the surge of interest we have found for so This effort is being directed by the Library's future of suffrage was determined by many other aspects of women’s history Publishing Office, with guidance from a he Commission agrees with a young Harry Burns who listened to his recorded in this report — from the team of six leading scholars of women's all who testified to the need mother, or Ida Wells Barnett, the news- growth in visitors to National Park history and culture. The guide will T to do a better job of teaching paper editor who almost singlehandedly Service sites to the construction of new describe materials in many media, includ- our children and ourselves about took on the horrible practice of lynching, museums — suggests that these stories ing books, newspapers, periodicals, women’s history. Perhaps the most or Florence Wald founding the Visiting will find a receptive and appreciative broadsides, legal documents, prints, pho- powerful means of telling these Nurses, or Elizabeth Blackwell winning audience. tographs, films, sheet music, recorded stories is through the popular culture. the right to be a doctor.

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 17 WE RECOGNIZE Museum “is dedicated to taking Western history that is in our back yard and what Bonner calls an “electronic quilt.” women’s history beyond Annie Oakley, along the highway.” The opening gala is planned for s the Commissioners have beyond Sacajawea, even beyond the September 2000. traveled across the country in diaries of the pioneer women on the Women’s Museum: Institute for A search of ideas, we have Oregon Trail.” the Future, Dallas, TX Susan B. Anthony House visited or heard from women who are As they seek a physical site for their Cathy Bonner, one of the founders of Rochester, NY building new destinations or protecting museum, the organizers are working the Women’s Museum: Institute for the The Susan B. Anthony House, a National existing properties relating to women with schools, community groups, Future, became focused on develop- Historic Landmark, was home to the famous and their contributions to American life. local government and libraries ing this Dallas museum. They have activist for the 40 most politically active Following is a representative sample of to develop educational pro- found a home for their museum years of her life. It was the site of Susan B. the work in progress that will create the grams, including a short in an old opera house and Anthony’s famous arrest for voting in 1872 documentation of women’s history for documentary film about chose Dallas because and headquarters of the National American the 21st century. We commend the women of the West, a lec- “directly in the middle of both Woman Suffrage Association. In 1945, the visionary leaders who are at once ture series, book discussion coasts, it is the second largest con- Susan B. Anthony House was purchased saving America’s treasures and bringing groups and a webpage. They vention and tourist destination.” by a group of women to create a museum. women into the mainstream of have begun to develop women’s his- They are developing exhibits that By 1996, visits to the house increased by American history. tory trails: “pathways of ordinary will include programs for people with over 400% due to an expansion of the site women and extraordinary women varying levels of knowledge of women’s to include land around it, and due to a suc- Women of the West Museum across time and across cultures that history, including an oral history reposi- cessful capital campaign. Every year, Boulder, CO give families, tourists, school chil- tory. A major component of the work they thousands visit the Susan B. Anthony In the words of its CEO and Director dren, adults and neighborhoods are doing is incorporating technology into House. In 1998, they opened a new Marsha Semmel, the Women of the West a new way of understanding the every facet of their exhibits, developing Education and Visitors’ Center.

18 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Madame Walker Theatre Center African-American citizens brought the movement who organized the first struggle for women’s rights. Indianapolis, IA building back to life. The fully-restored picketing of the White House, formed Designated a National Historic The Madame Walker Theatre Center is Center is currently celebrating its 10th the National Women’s Party and wrote Landmark in 1974, it incorporates dedicated to nurturing and celebrating anniversary. the Equal Rights Amendment. Paulsdale 300 years of American history. In the achievements, art forms, culture and was designated a National Historic 1929 Alva Belmont purchased the history of African-Americans. Named for Paulsdale: Home of Alice Paul Landmark in 1991, and plans are house and garden for the National the Theatre’s founder, Madame C. J. Mt. Laurel, NJ underway for the site to serve as a Woman’s Party. Suffragist Alice Paul Walker, the Center provides a forum, “The saving of Paulsdale is leadership center for women lived in the house for more than 40 through the arts, for appreciation and about more than preserving and girls and to provide years, making the Sewall-Belmont understanding of the great diversity that a site. It is the story of the space for women’s history House a “beehive of activity” for strengthens all Americans. The Center awakening of a group of exhibitions and programs. women’s rights. The site includes offers educational, performing arts and women to our own history and historic furnishings and fine arts, one humanities programs, and encourages the importance of that history as a Sewall-Belmont House of the earliest feminist libraries and positive cultural experiences for children source of individual and collective Washington, DC an extraordinary collection of and adults. In the 1970s, the Walker empowerment,” said Barbara Irvine of The Sewall-Belmont House is one of suffragist banners, newspapers, building, which was a center of culture, the Alice Paul Centennial Foundation. the oldest houses in Washington, DC, journals, photographs, political entertainment and business from the Volunteers have worked for 11 years to as well as the historic headquarters of cartoons and rare historic artifacts 1920s through the 1950s, faced demo- save Paulsdale, the former home of the National Women’s Party and a and archives. lition. However, a group of concerned Alice Paul, a strategist of the suffrage unique museum celebrating the

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 19 APPENDIX Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole Preservation and Access. She writes for Dr. Ellen Ochoa Atlanta, GA The New Yorker and the New York Houston, TX COMMISSION MEMBERS President Emerita, Spelman College Times. Mission Specialist Astronaut at the and Presidential Distinguished NASA Johnson Space Center. Has President's Commission on the Professor of Anthropology, Women's LaDonna Harris received numerous awards, including Celebration of Women in Studies and African American Studies Bernalillo, NM several NASA Space Flight Medals American History at Emory University. Author. President of Americans for Indian and the Albert Baez Award for Received numerous awards, Opportunity. Founding member of Outstanding Technical Contribution Ann Lewis, Co-Chair including honorary degrees from 41 the National Urban League and to Humanity from Hispanic Engineer Washington, DC colleges and universities and the first Common Cause. National Achievement Awards. Counselor to the President. Eleanor Roosevelt Education Award Former White House Director of on the 75th Anniversary of the Gloria T. Johnson Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Communications. Former Vice Women's National Democratic Club. Camp Springs, MD Chicago, IL President for Public Policy at the President of the Coalition of Labor Executive Director of the Brain Planned Parenthood Federation of J. Michael Cook Union Women, Chair of the IUE Research Foundation, an affiliate of America. Led study group on Going Greenwich, CT Women's Council and Director of the the University of Chicago. Former First: Women as Leaders in Chairman and CEO of Deloitte & Union's Department of Social Action. Director of the Mayor's Office of Contemporary Politics for Harvard Touche. Chairman of the Board of Elected a Vice President of the AFL- Program Development for the City of University's Institute of Politics at the Governors of the United Way of CIO in 1993, the second African- Chicago. Chair of the Roosevelt Kennedy School of Government. America and Chairman of the Board American woman to hold that Warm Springs Foundation and Vice of Catalyst, the nation's leading position. Received NAACP's First President of the Franklin and Eleanor Beth Newburger, Co-Chair organization for the advancement of Annual Pathway to Excellence Award Roosevelt Institute in New York. Washington, DC women in business. "Women of Labor." Associate Administrator for Irene Wurtzel Communications, U.S. General Dr. Barbara Goldsmith Dr. Elaine H. Kim Washington, DC Services Administration. New York, NY Berkeley, CA Playwright, freelance writer and Publisher, Washington Woman Author and social historian. Has Author, film producer, and Professor teacher of play writing. Winner of the Magazine, founder of three received three doctorates and of Asian-American Studies and Margo Jones Play Writing Award, the technology companies, executive at numerous awards for four best-selling Comparative Ethnic Studies and Jane Chambers Award for outstanding the Washington Post and the New books emphasizing the lives of women. Associate Dean of the Graduate woman playwright and a Cine Award Republic Magazine. Winner of In 1998-99 Other Powers: The Age of Division at the University of for a documentary film script on the several community service awards. Suffrage, Spiritualism and the California, Berkeley. Co-Founder history of the American labor Scandalous Victoria Woodhull has and Member of the Board of movement. Former Chair of the received three major awards. Also, Ms. Directors of Asian Women United of Board of the Family and Children's Goldsmith is a national leader in the California and Co-Founder of Asian Trust Fund of Virginia, a commission preservation and conservation of our Immigrant Women Advocates. aimed at preventing domestic cultural heritage and served on the violence and child abuse in Virginia. Presidential Commission for

20 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY COMMISSION SPEAKERS CHICAGO Cece Lobins MEETING VENUES Former Director and Community ALBUQUERQUE Cathy Bonner Liaison July 16, 1998 President Commission on Human Relations Canandaigua, NY Evelyn Lance Blanchard Bonner Inc. Advisory Council on Women Ontario County Court House Indian Welfare Activist/Graduate Founder, Women’s History Museum: Chicago, IL Judge Henry Courtroom Student, American Studies Institute for the Future, Dallas TX University of New Mexico Austin, TX Yolanda Farkas Hall September 25, 1998 Albuquerque, NM Coordinator Albuquerque, NM Christine Helen Grumm Women and Labor History Project Albuquerque Museum Dr. Veronica E. Tiller Executive Director Chicago, IL President, Tiller Research, Inc. Chicago Foundation for Women October 19-20, 1998, Author - Tiller’s Guide to Indian Chicago, IL Ruth Z. Sweetser Chicago, IL Country Assistant Dean, Business & Industry Chicago Cultural Center Albuquerque, NM Norma L. Seledon Relations, Claudia Cassidy Theatre Director Graduate College Bridgid O’Farrell Mujeres Latinas en Accion Illinois Institute of Technology November 12-13, 1998 Visiting Scholar Chicago, IL Lombard, IL Washington, DC Women’s Research & Education Department of State Institute Jean S. Hunt Nancy S. Chen East Auditorium Washington, DC Founder & Former President Regional Administrator Chicago Area Women’s History Women’s Bureau Chicago December 10, 1998 Molly Murphy MacGregor Conference U.S. Department of Labor Berkeley, CA Co-Founder Chicago, IL Chicago, IL West Coast Fact-Finding Sessions National Women’s History Project University of California, Berkeley Windsor, CA Valerie Tyler-Evans Eileen R. Mackevich Barrows Hall Consultant President and Executive Producer Millie Santillanes Oracle Corporation Chicago Humanities Festival January 22, 1999 Civic Activist, Retailer Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Author - Nuestras Mujeres Martin Luther King, Jr., National Albuquerque, NM Ronne Hartfield Peggy A. Montes Historic Site Executive Director, Museum Education Chair, Cook County Commission on Karen K. Staser Art Institute of Chicago Women’s Issues Founder and President Chicago, IL Chicago, IL National Museum of Women’s History Washington, DC

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 21 Wilma L. Vaught WASHINGTON Maxine S. Scarbro Mary Lou Beatty Brigadier General USAF (Ret.) President Acting Director of Communications President Dorothy Ruth Ferrell General Federation of Women’s Policy Women In Military Service For National Woman’s Party Clubs National Endowment for the America Memorial Foundation, Inc. Sewall-Belmont House Charleston, WV Humanities Washington, DC Washington, DC Washington, DC The Honorable Pat Schroeder Brook M. Wiseman Edith Mayo President and CEO Eleanor Smeal Executive Director and CEO Curatorial Consultant Association of American Publishers President Girl Scouts of Chicago National Museum of Women’s Washington, DC Feminist Majority Foundation Chicago, IL History Working for Women’s Equality Washington, DC Mary Ellen Henry Washington, DC Lynn Y. Weiner Department of History Professor of History and Associate Sister Dolores Liptak U.S. Naval Academy Dr. Jane Smith Dean President Annapolis, MD President, National Council of Negro College of Arts and Sciences Archivist, Congregation for Women’s Women, Inc. Roosevelt University Chicago Religion Dr. Roya Ayman Washington, DC Chicago, IL Trinity College Director Washington, DC Industrial Organizational Program Marsha Semmel Amina J. Dickerson Institute of Technology Director and CEO Director, Corporate Contributions Sarah Larson Chicago, IL Women of the West Museum Kraft Foods, Inc Executive Director Boulder, CO Northfield, IL Reston Historic Trust for Community Roberta Pilette Revitalization Associate Chief for Preservation Rev. Imagene B. Stewart Mary B. Richardson-Lowry Reston, VA Treatment National President Commissioner New York Public Library African-American Women’s Clergy Department of Buildings Dr. Page Putnam Miller New York, NY Association City of Chicago Director Washington, DC Chicago, IL National Coordinating Committee for Susan Bianchi-Sand the Promotion of History Chair, National Council of Women’s Dr. Cynthia Harrison Washington, DC Organizations Organization of American Historians Washington, DC History Department and Women’s Barbara Irvine Studies Department Founding President and Foundation George Washington University Trustee, Alice Paul Centennial Washington, DC Foundation, Inc. Chair, Capital Campaign Committee Mt. Laurel, NJ

22 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Dr. Janet Hauber Karen Nussbaum WEST COAST SPECIAL FACT- Evelyn Nakano Glenn Research Scientist Director FINDING SESSION PARTICIPANTS Women's Studies/Asian-American Program Manager of the Nuclear Working Women Department Studies, Cities Initiative American Federation of Labor and Faculty University of California, Berkeley U.S. Department of Energy Congress of Industrial Organizations Berkeley, CA Washington, DC Washington, DC Barbara Christian African-American Studies Waldo Martin Elise Bryant Ann Newhall University of California, Berkeley History Senior Staff Associate Executive Director Berkeley, CA University of California, Berkeley George Meany Center for Labor National Publications and Records Berkeley, CA Studies Commission Wanda Corn Washington, DC National Archives and Records Art History Melinda Micco Administration Stanford University History Linda Witt Washington, DC Palo Alto, CA Mills College Research Fellow Oakland, CA Women In Military Service For Betty Dooley Loni Ding America Memorial Foundation, Inc. President Film/Chinese American Studies Laura Perez, Arlington, VA Woman’s Research and Education University of California, Berkeley Spanish/Chicano Studies Institute Berkeley, CA University of California, Berkeley The Honorable Louise Slaughter Washington, DC Berkeley, CA U.S. House of Representatives Estelle Freedman Congresswoman Belen Robles History Raka Ray Rochester, NY President and CEO Stanford University Sociology Belen Robles and Associates Palo Alto, CA University of California, Berkeley Ellen Lovell Former President Berkeley, CA Deputy Assistant to the President League of United Latin American Rosalinda Fregoso Advisor to the First Lady for Citizens Women’s Studies Luara Ross Millennium Program El Paso, TX University of California, Davis Native American Studies Washington, DC Davis, CA University of California, Davis Davis, CA Ines Hernandez-Avila Native American Studies Mary Ryan University of California, Davis History Davis, CA University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THECELEBRATION OFWOMEN INAMERICANHISTORY 23 Jane Singh ATLANTA Dr. Vera Rubin Imogen Trolander Asian-American Studies Observational Astronomer Organizer and Developer University of California, Berkeley Coretta Scott King Member, Association for Women in Yellow Springs Women’s Park Berkeley, CA Martin Luther King, Jr., Center For Science Yellow Springs, OH Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. Washington, DC Ula Taylor Atlanta, GA Jeannie Jew African-American Studies Leslie Sharp National President University of California, Berkeley Linda Chavez-Thompson National Register Program Coordinator Organization of Chinese-American Berkeley, CA Executive Vice-President Women’s History Initiative Women AFL-CIO Coordinator Bethesda, MD Khatharya Um Washington, DC Historic Preservation Division Asian-American Studies Georgia Department of Natural Linda T. Muir University of California, Berkeley Elizabeth Engelhardt Resources Director, Legislative and Regulatory Berkeley, CA Graduate Student, Women’s Studies Atlanta GA Matters Emory University BellSouth Corporation Atlanta, GA Anita Patterson Atlanta, GA Gradute Student Participants Chair, Coalition of Black Trade Ali P. Crown Unionists Suzanne McDermott Karina Cespedes Director National Women’s Committee Singer, writer, guitarist, painter Vernadette Gonzalez Emory Women’s Center Atlanta, GA Charleston, SC Eungie Joo Emory University Priya Kandaswamy Atlanta, GA Dr. Barbara Woods June Griffin Sara Kaplan President, Association of Black Bill of Rights Bicentennial Commission Jodi Kim Judy Heuman Women Historians Medal of Honor winner Susan K. Lee Assistant Secretary of Education Professor, South Carolina State Dayton, TN Sandra Liu Office of Special Education and University Mimi Nguyen Rehabilitative Services Columbus, SC Mashadi Matabanc Eliza Noh U.S. Department of Education Senior, Women’s Studies Isabelle Pelaud Washington, DC Nellie D. Duke Spelman College Rowena Robles Chair Atlanta, GA Mary Romero Georgia Commission on Women Amy Sadao Atlanta, GA Irum Shiekh Harriett Skye Caroline Streeter Beatriz Tapia Angelina Villafaire Kathy Yep

24 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Edith Mayo Dr. Will Randall Curatorial Consultant Visiting Professor National Museum of Women’s History John Cabot University Washington, DC Rome, Italy Faculty, Champlain College Dr. Allida M. Black Burlington, VT Historian Member, Board of Directorss Dr. Nancy Nahra Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill Visiting Professor of Humanities Washington, DC John Cabot University Rome, Italy Faculty, Champlain College Burlington, VT

Rosemarie Garland Thomson Associate Professor of English Howard University Washington, DC

PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 25 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We extend our thanks to the women and men who traveled across the country at their own expense to present their ideas to this Commission. Their thoughtful testimony shaped the concepts in this report. Their enthusiasm confirmed our own commitment to bring women into the mainstream of American history.

Commissions cannot accomplish their missions without competent staff. Ours was beyond compare. Ruby Shamir kept superb records and minutes with inordinate patience. Martha Davis juggled our schedules and made our arrangements so we were able to work effectively. April Kaufman understood our message and conveyed it so well to the press. Andy Black, Jill Newburger and Johnny Young designed and produced our final report with style and grace. Cindy Gilbert handled the inevitable changes with efficiency and humor.

Our appreciation goes to Gwen Berlin, Director, Art in Embassies Program, U.S. Department of State, for graciously hosting us at the East Auditorium, U.S. Department of State.

For Dave Barram, Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration, our very special thanks for recognizing the importance of honoring America's women in history and providing GSA's support for this Commission.

Finally, our enormous gratitude to President William Jefferson Clinton for his vision and commitment to the work of this Commission and to First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for her inspirational words at the beginning of our journey to discover our foremothers. Together, we have learned how to honor our past and present this report to you with hope that the future we imagine will include women as equal partners.

Ann Lewis & Beth Newburger Co-Chairs

26 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY O f fice of the Pr ess Secr etary W ashington, D.C., and the use of the latest technology to connect existing and planned (Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China) womens history sites, museums, and libraries. For Immediate Release July 2, 1998 (b) The Commission shall meet to carry out its work concerning the celebration of women in American history. EXECUTIVE ORDER (c) The Commission shall report its recommendations, through the Co-Chairs of the ------Commission, in a final report to the President by March 1, 1999.

PRESIDENTS COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION Sec. 3. Administration . (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the O FWOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTO RY extent permitted by law and where practicable, provide the Co-Chairs of the Commission with such information with respect to womens history in America as the Co-Chairs may request. By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. (b) Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation for their work on the App.), and in order to celebrate the role of women in American history, it is hereby Commission. While engaged in the work of the Commission, members appointed from ordered as follows: the private sector may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Government Section 1. Establishment . There is established the President s Commission on the service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707). Celebration of W omen in American History (Commission). The Commission shall be composed of not more than 1 1 members appointed by the President from the public and (c) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the private sectors. The public sector members shall include such persons as the President General Services Administration shall provide the Commission with funding, deems appropriate, including (a) the Assistant to the President and Director of administrative services, facilities, staf f, and other support services necessary for the Communications and (b) a person recommended by and who shall be the representative of performance of the functions of the Commission. W ith respect to the Commission, the the Administrator of General Services. The President may designate two members as Co- Administrator of General Services shall perform the administrative functions of the Chairs of the Commission. The private sector members shall represent entities interested President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, except that of in the Commissions work on American history, particularly the history of women in reporting to the Congress. America. These entities may include, but need not be limited to, academic institutions, business entities, labor organizations, public interest or ganizations, arts and humanities (d) The Commission shall terminate 60 days after the submission of its final report. institutions, State and local governments, athletic groups, and or ganizations devoted to civil rights and opportunities for minorities and women. The private sector members shall WILLIAM J. CLINTO N not be considered special Government employees.

Sec. 2. Functions . (a) The Commission shall make recommendations to the President, through the Co-Chairs of the Commission, on ways to best acknowledge and celebrate the roles and accomplishments of women in American history. Recommendations may THE WHITE HOUSE, include, among other things, the feasibility of a focal point for women s history located in June 29, 1998 “Men have been faithful in noting “This every heroic act of their is the century half of the race, and now it that women have should be the duty as well transformed!” as the pleasure of women to make for future generations Betty Friedan a record of the heroic duty of the other half.”

Susan B. Anthony

“Women of all races have been far more influential in America’s story, particularly in terms of the nation’s moral development, than is revealed in most of the history books.”

Coretta Scott King