Honoring Our Past

Report and Recommendations

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

November 15, 2000 “Only by studying the history of America’s women - their triumphs and their struggles - can we truly understand the history of America.”

—- Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton February 18, 2000 Honoring Our Past

Report and Recommendations prepared by the

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

November 15, 2000

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 “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” — Executive Order 13090: Establishing the President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History July 2, 1998

Executive Order 13090 established a history by extending the life of the received in the open meetings of the “other half” of our diverse history into Presidential Commission to Commission to December 31, 2000. Commission, by letter and through focus is more than important. It is recommend how America should The President took this our Website. essential for the future of our recognize the contributions of unprecedented step to provide time democracy. women to the creation and for the Commission to explore the The work of the Commission was not development of our country. In implementation of the an ordinary process. We met as a Throughout the two years in which establishing the President’s recommendations outlined in their diverse group of women whose the Commission deliberated, we were Commission on the Celebration of March 1, 1999 report. interests in celebrating the historic greeted with universal enthusiasm Women in American History (the contributions of our sisters was clear. around the country. In each meeting, Commission), William Jefferson The following report provides an As a Commission, and as participants expressed their Clinton became the first President to overview of the Commission’s individuals, our work has had appreciation for the leadership of the recognize the importance of women’s findings and the actions a profound impact on us. President and First Lady in making historical contributions to our nation. taken by the Commission Like all of those who this work possible. The to implement our testified before us, we too Commissioners join these leaders in In July, 1999, President Clinton took recommendations. The have changed in our own expressing our appreciation for the another historic step toward activities and further feelings about the significance of privilege of contributing to this incorporating women’s achievements recommendations offered in this the Commission’s mission. Today, important effort to tell the whole story into the mainstream of American report are based on the suggestions we understand that bringing the of America’s history. increase in the inclusion of women’s partnerships to fund challenge grants. commission is to determine and FINDINGS history in elementary and secondary The Commission was also asked to recommend to the Secretary of the school curricula. Credit was given to create official recognition of projects Interior what sites of importance to While professional historians, The National Women’s History Project that could be used to lend credibility women should be preserved. We are archivists, and academicians drive for raising the national awareness of to funding requests. equally proud of the leadership in the recognition and documentation the importance of women’s history by honoring women of history by federal of women’s lives, much of the work creating March as National Women’s Despite the absence of funding agencies, including the National Parks in site preservation and community History Month. The National sources, we found a growing body of Service of the Department of the celebrations has traditionally been Women’s History Project was cited information in new books, articles Interior, the National Archives, the undertaken by dedicated volunteers again and again as a national resource and journals, a coordinating council Department of Education, the General and community activists. Once deserving greater support. for women in history to encourage Services Administration, NASA, Library again, the challenge to bring history networking at local and national of Congress, and the Millennium home to our local communities was Women’s history organizations and levels, and conferences for historians Council. broadly supported by volunteers. historians in both the public and and historic sites. There is more The General Federation of Women’s private sectors often equated attention to the importance of As the appreciation for the value of Clubs is an excellent example of an “support” to a need for underwriting. preserving the papers of women recognizing women’s history organization that embraced the The Commission found that along pioneers, an increasing emphasis on increases, we found an even greater Commission’s suggestions for with a growing interest in the field of oral history projects to preserve the demand: community involvement. Not only women’s history, there is a parallel stories of women in every walk of • more public recognition of the did the GFWC invite the growth in the need for funding to life, and an increasing number of contributions women have made Commission to meet jointly with support the research, documentation, television dramas on both Public to building this country their national board, but they also and resulting projects that such Broadcasting Stations and Lifetime • more emphasis on bringing history encouraged their local clubs to interest spawns. At every meeting cable television dealing with to life by connecting exciting undertake at least one of our and in the majority of our notable American women. academic discoveries with recommended projects. The result correspondence, we heard community celebrations, school is that communities from American the case for financial aid. There is also a growing classrooms and the popular culture Samoa to Arizona benefited from Suggestions included trend to preserve women’s • more attention to ways in which new women’s history projects establishing an annual historical sites. Congress as we honor our past, we driven by a local GFWC chapter. women’s history fundraising acknowledged our need to focus acknowledge the role that women event, creating a women’s history attention on these sites by creating have played, and imagine a future Along with an increase in community granting organization, and the Women’s Progress Commemorative in which women’s lives and activism, the Commission found an developing public-private Commission. The purpose of our sister achievements are fully valued.

COMMISSION REPORT 1 We Recommended: dual goals of creating awareness and As an agenda for the nation’s capital, Women’s Suffrage Amendment and Overview of Recommendations to documenting the contributions of the Commission recommended created a national millennial President William Jefferson Clinton women to American life. This millennial designating a women’s history site in celebration of women’s history March 1, 1999 agenda begins at the national level, Washington, D.C. and creating an month in Washington, D.C. reaches across the country with 10 important millennial celebration of To develop the recommendations recommendations for states, Women’s History Month. We recognize that ours is a work in required by Executive Order 13090 communities and local organizations, progress. While many of our and included in the report to the recommends a focal point in the During our second year, we recommendations have been President filed on March 1, 1999, the nation’s capitol and provides a continued to meet in public sessions adopted and creatively adapted, we President’s Commission on the challenge to the popular culture. across the country. These sessions believe that there are underlying Celebration of Women in American were conducted to elicit both principles that must be History traveled to every region of the At the national level, the Commission feedback on our recommendations acknowledged and addressed. country. In each, the Commission recommended designing and and ideas for implementing them. 1. There is an urgent need for held open meetings and solicited displaying a travelling exhibit, writing We broadened our audience through funding to continue the research ideas from historians, archivists, and distributing a how-to community media interviews with mass-market and documentation required to activists, academics, business handbook, and building a national print and broadcast outlets. The interweave women’s history into leaders, students and many others. umbrella women’s history website. Commission Co-Chairs also accepted the nation’s history. We heard testimony from people several invitations to speak on behalf 2. There is acknowledgement who came to volunteer ideas and At the community level, the of our recommendations. among women’s organizations from those who interacted with us via Commission recommended ten that leadership from the White our website. specific activities that local The response to our efforts was House through a permanent organizations could undertake. positive and constructive. The Presidential Commission on the From these meetings, the These suggestions included initial excitement and Celebration of Women in Commission distilled hundreds of developing archives, enthusiasm for the work of the American History would increase ideas to focus on ways to celebrate involving young women Commission translated into the visibility of women’s women in American history that will and men in history action on several of our contributions to our society. have the greatest impact in the projects, documenting initiatives. We inspired 3. There is a growing tide of support twenty-first century. We developed local women’s history trails activity everywhere, gaining for bringing the stories of women recommendations for national and and erecting historic markers, participation from national into the popular culture. local initiatives that would meet the creating city spaces, local exhibits organizations and local clubs in and honor rolls that highlight women communities across America. We in the local community, and holding witnessed national celebrations “Her-itage” celebrations. marking the 80th Anniversary of the

2PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY The President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women In American History has taken a dramatic and We Recommend; valuable step in uncovering women’s place and included. The exhibit was funded by 4 Steps to Create a contributions to the nation. By developing the first Eastman Kodak and displayed at the Lasting Legacy airport in Rochester, New York. roadmap to this other half of our story as a nation, it November 15, 2000 sets us on the path to collect and preserve women’s A smaller version of the exhibit was While we were unable to implement history. The Commission is to be congratulated on mounted at the request of the all of our recommendations, we were being inclusive and unbiased yet pragmatic and Commission and displayed at the able to implement some and test the visionary.” U.S. Custom House (One Bowling feasibility of others. Taken together, — Wilma L. Vaught Green, New York) in conjunction our experiences suggest that the Brigadier General USAF (Ret.) with the United Nations Beijing + 5 visibility created by a Presidential meeting. Several thousand visitors commission is an outstanding developed and marketed on THE NATIONAL AGENDA who gathered to discuss women’s mechanism to focus attention on the behalf of the Commission to focus rights as human rights visited this issue of including women in the story on women in American history. We Recommended exhibit. of American history. Furthermore, Design and Display a Traveling national coverage in the popular We believe that if implemented, Exhibit Next Steps media is equally important to reach these recommendations will ensure While the Commission was unable to young people and capture their that future generations will continue The Commission recommended secure the additional funding interest. the vital work begun by President creation of a traveling exhibit that necessary to continue travelling this William Jefferson Clinton and First tells the story of women’s history. We exhibit, we remain convinced that Therefore, we recommend that: Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to envisioned its installation in such an exhibit is both feasible and 1. A permanent Presidential secure women’s rightful place when communities throughout the an excellent investment for sponsors. commission is created to we tell the stories of American country during our millennial The high levels of interest among celebrate women in American history. year. those who saw the show reinforce history. our conviction that graphic 2. The President creates an annual We Implemented representations in public spaces will President’s Women Making REVIEW OF The National Women’s create new awareness of women’s History Award to celebrate ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hall of Fame mounted a contributions to our society. women in American history. travelling exhibit in honor of Therefore, we encourage the 3. The Commission partners with a In the detailed report that follows, Women’s History Month, March, National Women’s Hall of Fame to non-profit organization that can we include both our observations on 2000. The exhibit featured panels on seek funding for a permanent provide the academic research what is needed to strengthen or which the picture and story of each travelling exhibit. and funding required to support support each recommendation in honoree was outlined under a banner the work of the Commission and our first report and what was signifying the field in which the produce the awards program. actually accomplished subsequent woman made her contribution. Both 4. One or more publications be to filing it. living and dead women were

COMMISSION REPORT 3 “The recognition which Paulsdale received in the initial report of the President’s Commission on the We Recommended Celebration of Women in American History gave a very History is Everywhere (Handbook). Write and Distribute a How-To special boost to the Alice Paul Centennial Foundation’s Projects included telling the story of Community Handbook women’s suffrage, finding and campaign to save the property. Funders suddenly sat documenting the hidden women in To increase awareness of the up and took notice. We are thrilled to report that we local communities, establishing important roles local women have have subsequently raised the funding needed to statewide women’s history initiatives, played throughout American history, rehabilitate the property and will begin construction honoring the work of women’s the Commission recommended that a in March, 2001.” organizations, developing a map of handbook be published to guide local women’s history sites, creating communities in recognizing and —Barbara Irvine a women’s history park, building a celebrating local women. Because Trustee, Alice Paul Foundation cooperative community project such we were especially aware of the as designing and placing historic importance of including all segments markers, encouraging youthful of our American communities, we project and specific suggestions for Next Steps participation by girls and boys, recommended the inclusion of getting started. We also gathered The Handbook should be a living creating women’s history exhibits guidelines that would ensure the and published a wealth of document where resources may be and holding all-inclusive Her-itage diverse and inclusive nature of each resources for the amateur historian. added or deleted and best practices celebrations. project. There are listings of websites that can be highlighted. The Commission link to multiple other sites with encourages the General Services We Implemented We Implemented similar topics, relevant Administration to find a home for this In order to ensure a strong level of The Commission agreed to organizations with their phone and publication and continue to increase activity for the ten recommended undertake this project, ourselves. fax numbers, and over 200 its value by keeping it up-to-date. projects included in the Handbook, We researched and wrote a how-to locations where women made the Commission partnered with the community handbook entitled history. Through the General Federation of Women’s Women’s History is Everywhere: cooperation of the THE COMMUNITY Clubs. The Commission met with the 10 Ideas for Celebrating in National Archives, AGENDA GFWC national board to encourage Communities. The Handbook was every state and territory their members to commit to at least designed and published in is included in the section of We recommended one project. In addition, November, 1999, by the General Historic Places. Undertake a project that Commission Co-Chair Beth Services Administration, our centers on a woman or women Newburger met with state and sponsoring Federal agency. To date, we have distributed over from your community regional GFWC groups. 10,000 copies to libraries, The Handbook includes a short organizations and individuals We recommended ten projects for The Handbook was posted on the description of each recommended throughout the United States. community action in the Women’s Commission’s website and promoted

4PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY “There is no way I can thank the Commission enough for their work. Without their support, the Eleanor actively through national radio Roosevelt Papers would still be a dream in my heart. the nation’s capital. Following the interviews and local newspapers. successful example of the National Their skillful use of the bully pulpit for women’s history Parks Service and our own suggestion Twenty-seven GFWC partner clubs shed light on our projects, helped us clarify our to create a women’s history trail, we successfully completed the required strategy, broadened our networks, and sustained our created the first one in Washington, 75% of their projects by September faith in times of financial uncertainty.” D.C. The booklet titled Women Who 1, 2000. An additional seven Made History, A guide to Women’s organizations and nine individuals —Allida Black, Research Professor of History, History Sites in Washington, D.C. also completed projects by the The George Washington University. includes a map, directions for using deadline. Each participating club or public transportation to reach each individual received a certificate of site, hours, website address, and a recognition from the Commission AGENDA FOR THE as examples of the problems that can short description explaining the site’s NATION’S CAPITOL be expected. On the other hand, the historical significance. Next Steps success of the National Museum of Local projects and initiatives that are We Recommended Women in the Arts and the high Virginia Williams, mother of endorsed by a Presidential Designate a Washington, DC traffic at the new Women in Military Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Commission provide high visibility Women’s History Site Service of America Memorial are Williams, endorsed the booklet and for the participants. This visibility examples of the support and interest urged that it be included in every often defines the difference between At every hearing in the two years of that accompany serious District school library. To date, we success and failure for the its existence, the Commission heard representations of women’s real role have distributed over 15,000 copies participating group. As Sally Kranz, concern about the invisibility of in our lives. Therefore, The through local libraries, schools and Director of Public Relations for women in Washington D.C., Commission concluded that embassies throughout the GFWC told us, “We are going to start especially among the institutions appropriate celebration of metropolitan region. things in this year and we are going to dedicated to teaching and women’s history in the want to keep the ball rolling...Word celebrating our nation’s nation’s capital should Next Steps from this Commission to our history. The difficulties include designation of a The sites included in Women Who organization to say, ‘keep it going for encountered in moving focal point for women’s Made History are the most visible the next 110 years of your existence’ the statue of the suffragette history. ones in the region. We know that would be good for us.” Therefore, leaders out of the basement of further research could expand the the Commission recognizes a need the Capitol, and the fact that the We Implemented publication and therefore enrich the for ongoing support from a Suffrage exhibit at the Smithsonian Rather than create a single focal experience of visitors to the nation’s Presidential Commission or similar Museum of American History is still point, the Commission published a capital. This work would require entity if such local endeavors are designated as temporary, were cited booklet describing 14 sites of funding and could be undertaken expected to continue and succeed. by speakers before the Commission historical significance for women in through a public-private partnership.

COMMISSION REPORT 5 “The President's Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History provided a pivotal public Such a partnership could also forum for organizations, archivists, librarians, Next Steps distribute the booklet through teachers, community activists and interested Based on the success of the commercial outlets such as travel Millennial celebration in the Nation’s individuals to give voice to the importance of agencies, hotels, and visitor Capital, the Commission information centers. celebrating and recognizing women's lives. The recommends creating an annual Commission's work validated the importance of celebration to mark Women’s History We Recommended creating and sustaining a national priority to Month in Washington, D.C. This March 2000: A National Celebration influence all American institutions to honor the celebration will continue to act as a important contributions women have made to catalyst for focusing the attention of The Commission agreed that American culture and history.” our nation’s leaders on the issues of observing Women’s History Month in inclusion in telling the story of the Millennial Year deserved a very — Molly MacGregor, President and Co-Founder, America’s history. special kind of celebration. Many National Woman’s History Project. speakers before the Commission raised the possibility of a national United States Capitol, on March 22, during demolition of a row of pre- We Recommended event in March 2000 that would 2000 to listen to 15 women members Civil War townhouses and preserved A Challenge and Opportunity for the celebrate the changes in women’s of the House and Senate recount the at the urging of the Commission. Popular Culture lives during the last century and influential women in their lives. The Women Who Made History reaffirm our commitment to even Commission Co-Chair Ann Lewis and Guide was launched as part of the We continue to believe that we must greater change and opportunity in Commissioner LaDonna Harris celebration. Eighty middle-school do a better job of teaching our the next. The Commission suggested welcomed the attendees who children from a Washington, D.C. children and ourselves about that several organizations could included an African women’s school attended the dedication and women’s history, in our classrooms, partner to bring this celebration to delegation from 17 countries and were given a guided bus tour of museums and archives. But the most fruition. Sen. Orrin Hatch, the sponsor several listed women’s history powerful means of telling these of the Congressional sites. Dr. Allida Black, stories is through the popular culture We Implemented Resolution twenty years Director of the Eleanor which reaches every one of us. We The National Women’s History ago to recognize March as Roosevelt papers at the urged our friends in the media, to Project, led by founder Molly Women’s History Month. George Washington consider the possibilities offered by MacGregor, rose to the challenge and University and General Wilma dramatic events involving women. formed a partnership with our The Commission created a Vaught (Ret.), founder of the Commission, the Congressional celebration earlier in the day that Women in Military Service for We influenced Women’s Caucus, and The White included the dedication of the Clara America Memorial at Arlington Both Public Broadcasting Systems House Office for Women’s Initiatives Barton Missing Soldier’s Office, a National Cemetery were among the and Lifetime Television have and Outreach. An overflow crowd of property that was discovered by the volunteer guides. recognized the value of presenting men and women filled Statuary Hall, General Services Administration

6PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY “We celebrated another major milestone for women. President Clinton announced the first female space these stories. In the past several commander, Colonel Eileen Collins, at a White House They would meet at least four times months, PBS aired documentaries on ceremony. At the Shuttle launch we convened special events per year. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. for organizations for women and girls and discussed with Anthony and Eleanor Roosevelt. The purpose of the Commission is to female pioneers in aerospace the past, present and future of Lifetime is partnering with the continue to incorporate the stories of National Woman’s History Project to women in aerospace. During her flight, Col. Collins chatted American women into the produce a series of biographies with via internet with girls across America. We look forward to mainstream culture. Part of the way related school curricula. continuing our [women’s outreach] initiative and in which the Commission will meet supporting the goals of the Commission.” its mission is to act as jury for the While these programs may have been proposed President’s Women Making influenced by the work of the —Terri Hudkins History Award. Commission, there is no doubt that we Manager, Women’s Outreach Office of Public Affairs, NASA Headquarters have had an impact on West Wing, one of the most popular programs on We Recommend television today. In the November WE RECOMMEND leaders when they realized that their Establish Annual President’s Women 1,2000 episode, the “President” is urged 4 STEPS TO projects could not be accomplished Making History Award to acknowledge the importance of CREATE A LEGACY within the timeframe required for telling the story of women in American Presidential recognition through our In the same way that the weight of the history. The script quotes from our Commission. We all know that the Presidential commission moves people March 1, 1999 report regarding the We Recommend merit of our mission should be into action, so will the establishment of disproportionate number of monuments Establish a Permanent Presidential significant enough to inspire an Annual President’s Women Making to men and has “President Bartlett” Commission continued support for our History Award that honors influential honor women who made history in his to Celebrate Women in recommendations. However, we women in American history. The weekly radio address.. American History are also realistic enough to President’s Women Making History recognize that people are Award would bestow an honor The surge of interest we have found The response to the more likely to respond to equivalent in importance to other for so many other aspects of women’s Commission was positive support from the most Presidential rank awards and would history recorded in this report — and supportive. However, powerful office in the land establish the fact that American women from the growth in visitors to many of the hundreds of than to anyone else. are, indeed, worthy of recognition. National Parks Service sites to the suggestions offered during our construction of new museums — meetings will require a Commission We recommend that an eleven- The Commission would invite the suggests that these stories about with a longer life span than ours to member bipartisan Presidential spouse of the President to be the women’s contributions to America evaluate. More importantly, Commission be established. honorary chairperson of the will continue to find a receptive and however, was the dismay and Commissioners would be appointed President’s Women Making History appreciative audience. frustration expressed by community by the President for a three-year term. Awards Committee.

COMMISSION REPORT 7 We envision an awards process that are in no way suggested to limit the of their young children and elderly production, similar in scale to the will begin each year with the scope of the awards. parents, women who advocate for Kennedy Center Honors, would bring nomination by the Commission of reformed family law, single women women’s history into the popular two groups of women: 1) those who Category 1: Activism & Service. raising families, and women living in culture with the certainty of annual made significant contributions to Nominees in this category have poverty who manage to raise college- recognition for the contributions of history and lived before the 21st demonstrated a commitment to educated children. women to the nation. century, and 2) contemporary community activism and community women who are making history and service. This could include the work Category 4: New Americans. This living in the 21st century. of women who fought for the right to category includes women new to the We Recommend vote, women who marched for civil United States who have overcome Establish a Partnership with a Women will be nominated who have rights, native American women who cultural barriers and are the pioneers Foundation for Women in American made significant contributions to struggled for rights and cultural for the growing diversity in the 21st History history in the four categories listed recognition, women who help feed century. For example, this could below. Two women, one who lived the homeless, and women who raise include African women who were The Commission recognizes that before the 21st century and one alive funds to combat breast cancer. brought to this country as slaves in preserving the symbols of our past is today, will be selected in each the 19th century, Hispanic farm only the first step toward ensuring the category, making a total of eight Category 2: Creativity. This category workers, Russian-born women who place of women in our history books. honorees. The living honoree in each could include all women who have immigrated in the early 20th century We must work to make sure that our category will accept both awards for contributed creative endeavors to our with no knowledge of American nation knows these stories. Time, her category. In this way, we society. This could include fine arts, customs, European Jews who money and continuous outreach is recognize that our modern literature, scientific exploration, survived concentration camps during needed to achieve this goal. That will achievements are built on the innovative technology, etc. World War II, and today’s require both the endorsement of the historical foundation laid by our immigrants. Presidential commission and the predecessors and role models. Category 3: Valuing Families. consistency of a non-profit This category recognizes The President’s Women organization whose purpose is to The proposed categories are women for their Making History Award make it a reality. suggested because, together, they contributions in valuing will be presented by the provide a broad umbrella for all of families. This could include President and spouse at an During the two years in which the the ways in which women have women who courageously Annual Women in American Commission met, we heard contributed to our communities. The supported their families while their History Awards Presentation. We powerful examples of sound examples indicate the diverse husbands fought overseas, members recommend that the gala event be scholarship told in creative, categories of achievement that might of the “sandwich” generation nationally televised to achieve determined styles. Again and again, be considered in each category but responsible for the simultaneous care maximum recognition. This annual we searched for mechanisms to

8PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY provide the research we needed to The Foundation will then prepare Commission for approval. Grants We Recommend carry on the Commission’s work. documentary and visual may cover start-up and/or operating Publish One or More Publications Using the Millennium Council presentations on each of the award costs traditionally excluded by with a Commission Imprimatur model in which the Council recipients based on archival data granting organizations. Existing partnered with the National Trust for and interviews with the projects will be eligible. The The success of the Commission’s Historic Preservation to Save contemporary recipients. These Commission will encourage Community Handbook and Women’s America’s Treasures, we documentaries will be shown at the proposals that fall within the History Guide to the Nation’s Capital recommend partnering with a Annual Women in American guidelines recommended in the suggests that there is a market for foundation that will provide the History Awards Presentation gala March 1, 1999 report. Part of their Commission publications. A single essential academic and fundraising event. work will be an annual review and mention in Parade Magazine generated capabilities for the Commission. updating of the guidelines. approximately 96,000 requests for the Just as Title IX put the muscle into The Foundation will plan and publications. women’s athletics, so will the sponsor the gala event. In its role as The foundation may also produce a partnership of a Presidential producer, it will be responsible for body of publications that continue Marie Salerno, the award-winning Commission and a dedicated raising the necessary funds in much to provide guidance for historians author of the New York City foundation liberate women’s the same way that the National Trust and community leaders on the commemorative pop-up book, and history. for Historic Preservation supports subject of documenting women’s her publisher, Rizzoli Press, have the Millennial Save America’s contributions to American life. proposed creating a book of women’s The Commission envisions a Treasures campaign. Any profits history artifacts for the Commission. partnership with a foundation to from the annual event will be used The Commission may select an The book will carry the endorsement manage the President’s Women to award grants to academic and established foundation with which of the Commission and be an official Making History Award process. community projects that meet the to partner or may choose to work Millennial Council project. It will be The Foundation will serve as a criteria established by the with a foundation created for distributed through gift shops at screening board to prepare Commission. the express purposes historic sites and through the Federal recommendations and identify outlined here. In either Consumer Information Center. nominees. The Foundation will The grants awarded by case, the foundation will Proceeds from the book will benefit submit written reports on the the Commission would be required to prove its Save America’s Treasures. historical significance of each be reviewed by an fiscal independence and nominee to the Commission. The independent panel of will not be funded by the The Commission encourages other Commission will review the reports historians, teachers, project Federal government. authors and publishers to consider and select the eight women who directors, and community leaders. producing commemorative will receive the First Lady Awards. The panel will forward their publications that could benefit the recommendations to the public-private partnership envisioned in this report.

COMMISSION REPORT 9 Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole Preservation and Access. She writes for Dr. Ellen Ochoa APPENDIX Atlanta, GA The New Yorker and the New York Houston, TX President Emerita, Spelman College Times. She has been elected to the Mission Specialist Astronaut at the COMMISSION MEMBERS and Presidential Distinguished American Academy of Arts and NASA Johnson Space Center. Has Professor of Anthropology, Women's Sciences. received numerous awards, including President's Commission on the Studies and African American Studies several NASA Space Flight Medals Celebration of Women in at Emory University. Author. LaDonna Harris and the Albert Baez Award for American History Received numerous awards, Bernalillo, NM Outstanding Technical Contribution including honorary degrees from 41 President of Americans for Indian to Humanity from Hispanic Engineer Ann Lewis, Co-Chair colleges and universities and the first Opportunity. Founding member of National Achievement Awards. Washington, DC Eleanor Roosevelt Education Award the National Urban League and Counselor to the President. on the 75th Anniversary of the Common Cause. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Former White House Director of Women's National Democratic Club. Chicago, IL Communications. Former Vice Gloria T. Johnson Executive Director of the Brain President for Public Policy at the J. Michael Cook Camp Springs, MD Research Foundation, an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of Greenwich, CT President of the Coalition of Labor the University of Chicago. Former America. Led study group on Going Chairman and CEO of Deloitte & Union Women, Chair of the IUE Director of the Mayor's Office of First: Women as Leaders in Touche. Chairman of the Board of Women's Council and Director of the Program Development for the City of Contemporary Politics for Harvard Governors of the United Way of Union's Department of Social Action. Chicago. Chair of the Roosevelt University's Institute of Politics at the America and Chairman of the Board Elected a Vice President of the AFL- Warm Springs Foundation and Vice Kennedy School of Government. of Catalyst, the nation's leading CIO in 1993, the second African- President of the Franklin and Eleanor organization for the advancement of American woman to hold that Roosevelt Institute in New York. Beth Newburger, Co-Chair women in business. position. Received NAACP's First Washington, DC Annual Pathway to Excellence Award Irene Wurtzel Associate Administrator for Dr. Barbara Goldsmith "Women of Labor." Washington, DC Communications, U.S. General New York, NY Playwright, freelance writer and Services Administration. Author and social historian. Has Dr. Elaine H. Kim teacher of play writing. Winner of the Commissioner, Women’s Progress received three doctorates and Berkeley, CA Margo Jones Play Writing Award, the Commemoration Commision. numerous awards for four best-selling Author, film producer, and Professor Jane Chambers Award for outstanding Publisher, Washington Woman books emphasizing the lives of women. of Asian-American Studies and woman playwright and a Cine Award Magazine, founder of three In 1998-99 Other Powers: The Age of Comparative Ethnic Studies and for a documentary film script on the technology companies, executive at Suffrage, Spiritualism and the Associate Dean of the Graduate history of the American labor the Washington Post and the New Scandalous Victoria Woodhull has Division at the University of movement. Former Chair of the Republic Magazine. Winner of received three major awards. Also, Ms. California, Berkeley. Co-Founder Board of the Family and Children's several community service awards. Goldsmith is a national leader in the and Member of the Board of Trust Fund of Virginia, a commission preservation and conservation of our Directors of Asian Women United of aimed at preventing domestic cultural heritage and served on the California and Co-Founder of Asian violence and child abuse in Virginia. Presidential Commission for Immigrant Women Advocates.

10 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY COMMISSION MEETING March 15, 1999 SPEAKERS Karen K. Staser VENUES Washington, DC Founder and President The White House ALBUQUERQUE National Museum of Women’s History July 16, 1998 Millennium Evening: Presenting Washington, DC Canandaigua, NY Commission Report to President Bill Evelyn Lance Blanchard Ontario County Courthouse Clinton Indian Welfare Activist/Graduate Judge Henry Courtoom Student, American Studies CHICAGO March 16, 1999 University of New Mexico September 25, 1998 Washington, DC Albuquerque, NM Cathy Bonner Albuquerque, NM State Plaza Hotel President Albuquerque Museum Dr. Veronica E. Tiller Bonner Inc. September 8, 1999 President, Tiller Research, Inc. Founder, Women’s History Museum: October 19-20, 1998 Portland, OR Author - Tiller’s Guide to Indian Institute for the Future, Dallas TX Chicago, IL Portland Marriott - Downtown Country Austin, TX Chicago Cultural Center Albuquerque, NM Caludia Cassidy Theatre January 18, 2000 Christine Helen Grumm New York, NY Bridgid O’Farrell Executive Director November 12-13, 1998 New York Public Library Visiting Scholar Chicago Foundation for Women Washington, DC Women’s Research & Education Chicago, IL Department of State March 21-22, 2000 Institute East Auditorium Washington, DC Washington, DC Norma L. Seledon White House Conference Center/ Director December 10, 1998 Clara Barton Missing Soldiers’ Molly Murphy MacGregor Mujeres Latinas en Accion Berkeley, CA Office/Capitol Rotunda Co-Founder Chicago, IL West Coast Fact Finding Sessions National Women’s History Project University of CA Berkeley June 6, 2000 Windsor, CA Jean S. Hunt Barrows Hall New York, NY Founder & Former President U.S. Custom House Millie Santillanes Chicago Area Women’s History January 22, 1999 Civic Activist, Retailer Conference Atlanta, GA November 15, 2000 Author - Nuestras Mujeres Chicago, IL Martin Luther King Jr. National Washington, DC Albuquerque, NM Historic Site George Washington University

COMMISSION REPORT 11 Valerie Tyler-Evans Eileen R. Mackevich Mary B. Richardson-Lowry Dr. Page Putnam Miller Consultant President and Executive Producer Commissioner Director Oracle Corporation Chicago Humanities Festival Department of Buildings National Coordinating Committee for Chicago, IL Chicago, IL City of Chicago the Promotion of History Chicago, IL Washington, DC Ronne Hartfield Peggy A. Montes Executive Director, Museum Education Chair, Cook County Commission on Barbara Irvine Art Institute of Chicago Women’s Issues WASHINGTON Founding President and Foundation Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Trustee, Alice Paul Centennial Dorothy Ruth Ferrell Foundation, Inc. Cece Lobins Wilma L. Vaught National Woman’s Party Chair, Capital Campaign Committee Former Director and Community Brigadier General USAF (Ret.) Sewall-Belmont House Mt. Laurel, NJ Liaison President Washington, DC Commission on Human Relations Women In Military Service For Maxine S. Scarbro Advisory Council on Women America Memorial Foundation, Inc. Edith Mayo President Chicago, IL Washington, DC Curatorial Consultant General Federation of Women’s National Museum of Women’s Clubs Yolanda Farkas Hall Brook M. Wiseman History Charleston, WV Coordinator Executive Director and CEO Washington, DC Women and Labor History Project Girl Scouts of Chicago The Honorable Pat Schroeder Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Sister Dolores Liptak President and CEO President Association of American Publishers Ruth Z. Sweetser Lynn Y. Weiner Archivist, Congregation for Women’s Washington, DC Assistant Dean, Business & Industry Professor of History and Associate Religion Relations, Dean Trinity College Mary Ellen Henry Graduate College College of Arts and Sciences Washington, DC Department of History Illinois Institute of Technology Roosevelt University Chicago U.S. Naval Academy Lombard, IL Chicago, IL Sarah Larson Annapolis, MD Executive Director Nancy S. Chen Amina J. Dickerson Reston Historic Trust for Community Dr. Roya Ayman Regional Administrator Director, Corporate Contributions Revitalization Director Women’s Bureau Chicago Kraft Foods, Inc Reston, VA Industrial Organizational Program U.S. Department of Labor Northfield, IL Institute of Technology Chicago, IL Chicago, IL

12 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Roberta Pilette Rev. Imagene B. Stewart The Honorable Louise Slaughter Belen Robles Associate Chief for Preservation National President U.S. House of Representatives President and CEO Treatment African-American Women’s Clergy Congresswoman Belen Robles and Associates New York Public Library Association Rochester, NY Former President New York, NY Washington, DC League of United Latin American Ellen Lovell Citizens Susan Bianchi-Sand Dr. Cynthia Harrison Deputy Assistant to the President El Paso, TX Chair, National Council of Women’s Organization of American Historians Advisor to the First Lady for Organizations History Department and Women’s Millennium Program Washington, DC Studies Department Washington, DC WEST COAST SPECIAL FACT- George Washington University FINDING SESSION PARTICIPANTS Mary Lou Beatty Washington, DC Karen Nussbaum Acting Director of Communications Director Faculty Policy Dr. Janet Hauber Working Women Department National Endowment for the Research Scientist American Federation of Labor and Barbara Christian Humanities Program Manager of the Nuclear Congress of Industrial Organizations African-American Studies Washington, DC Cities Initiative Washington, DC University of California, Berkeley U.S. Department of Energy Berkeley, CA Eleanor Smeal Washington, DC Ann Newhall President Executive Director Wanda Corn Feminist Majority Foundation Elise Bryant National Publications and Records Art History Working for Women’s Equality Senior Staff Associate Commission Stanford University Washington, DC George Meany Center for Labor National Archives and Records Palo Alto, CA Studies Administration Dr. Jane Smith Washington, DC Washington, DC Loni Ding President, National Council of Negro Film/Chinese American Studies Women, Inc. Linda Witt Betty Dooley University of California, Berkeley Washington, DC Research Fellow President Berkeley, CA Women In Military Service For Woman’s Research and Education Marsha Semmel America Memorial Foundation, Inc. Institute Estelle Freedman Director and CEO Arlington, VA Washington, DC History Women of the West Museum Stanford University Boulder, CO Palo Alto, CA

COMMISSION REPORT 13 Rosalinda Fregoso Raka Ray Gradute Student Participants Linda Chavez-Thompson Women’s Studies Sociology Executive Vice-President University of California, Davis University of California, Berkeley Karina Cespedes AFL-CIO Davis, CA Berkeley, CA Vernadette Gonzalez Washington, DC Eungie Joo Ines Hernandez-Avila Luara Ross Priya Kandaswamy Elizabeth Engelhardt Native American Studies Native American Studies Sara Kaplan Graduate Student, Women’s Studies University of California, Davis University of California, Davis Jodi Kim Emory University Davis, CA Davis, CA Susan K. Lee Atlanta, GA Sandra Liu Evelyn Nakano Glenn Mary Ryan Mimi Nguyen Ali P. Crown Women's Studies/Asian-American History Eliza Noh Director Studies, University of California, Berkeley Isabelle Pelaud Emory Women’s Center University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Rowena Robles Emory University Berkeley, CA Mary Romero Atlanta, GA Jane Singh Amy Sadao Waldo Martin Asian-American Studies Irum Shiekh Judy Heuman History University of California, Berkeley Harriett Skye Assistant Secretary of Education University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Caroline Streeter Office of Special Education and Berkeley, CA Beatriz Tapia Rehabilitative Services Ula Taylor Angelina Villafaire U.S. Department of Education Melinda Micco African-American Studies Kathy Yep Washington, DC History University of California, Berkeley Mills College Berkeley, CA Dr. Vera Rubin Oakland, CA ATLANTA Observational Astronomer Khatharya Um Member, Association for Women in Laura Perez, Asian-American Studies Coretta Scott King Science Spanish/Chicano Studies University of California, Berkeley Martin Luther King, Jr., Center For Washington, DC University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. Berkeley, CA Atlanta, GA

14 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Leslie Sharp Jeannie Jew Dr. Allida M. Black Susan Butruille National Register Program Coordinator National President Historian Columnist, The Woman’s Journal Women’s History Initiative Organization of Chinese-American Member, Board of Directorss Coordinator Women Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill Mary Rose Historic Preservation Division Bethesda, MD Washington, DC Co-Chair, Women International Georgia Department of Natural League for Peace and Freedom Resources Linda T. Muir Dr. Will Randall Atlanta GA Director, Legislative and Regulatory Visiting Professor Molly Murphy MacGregor Matters John Cabot University Co-Founder, National Women’s Anita Patterson BellSouth Corporation Rome, Italy History Project Chair, Coalition of Black Trade Atlanta, GA Faculty, Champlain College Unionists Burlington, VT Sally Kranz National Women’s Committee Suzanne McDermott Director, Public Relations Atlanta, GA Singer, writer, guitarist, painter Dr. Nancy Nahra General Federation of Women’s Charleston, SC Visiting Professor of Humanities Clubs Dr. Barbara Woods John Cabot University President, Association of Black June Griffin Rome, Italy Women Historians Bill of Rights Bicentennial Commission Faculty, Champlain College NEW YORK Professor, South Carolina State Medal of Honor winner Burlington, VT University Dayton, TN Lynn Sherr Columbus, SC Rosemarie Garland Thomson Author and ABC News Columnist Mashadi Matabanc Associate Professor of English New York, NY Nellie D. Duke Senior, Women’s Studies Howard University Chair Spelman College Washington, DC Ron Law Georgia Commission on Women Atlanta, GA Associate Regional Administrator Atlanta, GA General Services Administration Edith Mayo PORTLAND New York, NY Imogen Trolander Curatorial Consultant Organizer and Developer National Museum of Women’s History June Tremain Ellen Chesler Yellow Springs Women’s Park Washington, DC Career Development and Articulation Senior Fellow, The Open Society Yellow Springs, OH Specialist Institute Oregon Department of Education New York, NY

COMMISSION REPORT 15 Susan Brownmiller Ann D. Gordon Linda Gordon WASHINGTON, DC Author Associate Research Professor Department of History New York, NY History Department New York University Lauren Supina Rutgers University New York, NY Deputy Assistant to the President Domna C. Stanton Director of White House Office of Professor, Women’s Studies Josie Fernandez Liz Abzug Women’s Initiatives and Outreach University of Michigan Superintendent, Women’s Rights Attorney and Adjunct Professor, Washington, DC New York, NY National Historical Park Urban Studies Seneca Falls, NY Barnard College and Columbia Joyce Antler Trudy Mason University Samuel Lane Professor of American Member, Commission on Women’s Paul LeClerc New York, NY Jewish history and Culture Equality of the American Jewish President and CEO Brandeis University Congress New York Public Library Mary Ann Oppenheimer Boston, MA New York, NY Executive Director Marie Salerno National Women’s Hall of Fame Karen K. Staser Author, President New York City 100 Catharine Stimpson Seneca Falls, NY Founder and President New York, NY University Professor and National Women’s History Museum Dean of the Graduate School of Arts Marilyn Bero Washington, DC Lynn Rollins and Science President Executive Director, New York New York University National Women’s Hall of Fame Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught, Commission Honoring the New York, NY Seneca Falls, NY USAF (Ret.) Achievements of Women President, Board of Directors President, Museum of Women: The Elizabeth Hubbard Meredith Wagner Women in Military Service for Leadership Center, New York Director Senior Vice President of Public Affairs America Memorial Foundation New York Office Lifetime Television Arlington, VA Deborah Sale Hubbard and Revo-Cohen, Inc. New York, NY Executive Vice President, External New York, NY Marty Langelen Affairs Dianne Miller Economist and Author Hospital for Special Surgery Elinor Guggenheimer Assistant Professor, Washington, DC New York, NY Founder, Childcare Action Council University of Georgia New York, NY Atlanta, GA Virginia Williams Activist Washington, DC

16 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY COMMUNITY PROJECTS General Federation of Woman’s Clubs General Federation of Woman’s Clubs organizations. The group purchased Lagniappe Woman’s Club Paradise Valley Woman’s Club a large cupboard and installed it in Awarded Literary and Civic Club 4350 E. Winchcomb the Miles City Public Library where it Presidential Commission 13115 Todd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032 is being used to store historic Certificate of Recognition Baton Rouge, LA, 70815 Club enlisted the support of nearly materials. Club honored six club women whose 20 service groups as well as local, General Federation of Woman’s Clubs work in GFWC programs has made city and state agencies to promote General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Travelers Club of Chamberlain significant contributions to the safety awareness in their community. Sylvester Woman’s Club 1209 S. Main community. Also cooperated with 2508 Jacqueline Circle Chamberlain SD, 57325 the Louisiana State Archives on an The Lake Forest Woman’s Club Moultrie, GA 31768 Documented club history including exhibit honoring Distinguished 1705 Surrey Lane This group of 60-75-year old women oral history of founder’s daughter. Women of Louisiana in the fields of Lake Forest, IL 60045 renovated and decorated their athletics, arts, government, military, Club created a new board position of building which is an historic Woman’s Wednesday Club communications and entertainment. Historian to sort through records and landmark. They published a “Past & Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs write articles periodically for the Present” cookbook featuring historic 306 North Travis General Federation of Woman’s Club newsletter about the recipes. Granbury TX 76048 Clubs organization’s rich 98-year history Organized in 1897, the club New Jersey State Federation of General Federation of Woman’s Clubs documented its charitable support of Women’s Clubs General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Somis Thursday Club 19 local organizations. West Essex Woman’s Club Junior Woman’s Club of Racine 24141 Village 24 36 Beechwood Road 740 Lake Avenue Camarillo, CA 93012 General Federation of Woman’s West Caldwell, NJ 07006 Racine, WI 53406 The Club is located in an old Clubs Of South Dakota Six club members participated in oral Initiated a process to continuously schoolhouse that is on the Historic Lillian Johnson interviews about various historical update the history of their Landmarks of Ventura County, CA 1209 S Main periods. The interviews were entered accomplishments. list. The Club creates scholarships for Chamberlain, SD 57325 at the Women’s History and Resource deserving high school seniors. Producted a collection of women’s Center. Club members also General Federation of Woman’s Clubs histories from women who were researched lives of local prominent Miles City Woman’s Club pioneers in South Dakota women, compiled a booklet and P.O. Box 743 honored the women as West Essex Miles City, MT 59301 Women of Achievement. Started a program called “Let’s Celebrate Women in Our Communities” to collect historical information about local women’s

COMMISSION REPORT 17 General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Lyndhurst Woman’s Club Florida Federated Woman’s Club of women who have made a difference Greater West Palm Beach Women’s 368- Wilson Avenue District 7 in High Springs, Florida. They Club Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 1520 South Pointe Drive documented the founder and first 2323 23rd Lane For the past five years, our club had Leesburg, FL 34748 President of their club and selected Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 displays in March, in the town library, The Club compiled information women who were the first or founder Created a project to honor and honoring women in history. about women who have been of noteworthy projects. A luncheon support Mrs. Claire Siefker, a honored and made a “difference” was held to honor these women. A “Woman of History.” Ms. Siefker has General Federation of Woman’s Clubs in their communities. gallery display was mounted to organized a project to provide Tullahoma Woman’s Club document their achievements. supplies for newborns of indigent 709-Wilson Avenue General Federation of Woman’s Clubs parents in the community. Tullahoma, TN 37388 Port St. Lucie Woman’s Club, Inc. General Federation of Woman’s Our 130-member club volunteered 671 SE Stow Terrace Clubs General Federation of Woman’s Clubs 2704 hours of community service Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 Peterstown Woman’s Club Sierra Vista Woman’s Club and recycled 9 tons of materials to The Club created a special Woman’s 110 Thomas Street P.O. Box 981 actively support women and family History Month celebration on March Peterstown, WV 24963 Sierra Vista, AZ 85636 rights as listed in the Constitution. 15, 2000 to honor a century-old The Peterstown Woman’s Club This 40-year old club maintains a member, Carolyne Reed. Ms. Reed is honored 101-year old Gladys Larew written history since its first meeting. The Women’s Club of Orange a World War 11 Veteran who founded for her contributions to Monroe The club will identify and develop a 604 Fifth Street the First Congregational Church of Port County, West Virginia. Among her community honor roll. P.O. Box 543 St. Lucie. Second Speaker was author many accomplishments, she was the Orange, TX 77631 and columnist, Strelsa Schreiber. Her first woman to vote in the county, General Federation of Woman’s Clubs The Club initiated and dedicated the book, “The Early Years of Port St. Lucie, started the hot lunch program for Hillcrest Women’s Club Official Texas Historical Marker on Florida, A Personal Memoir” gives a school children, and served as 5333 Golfway Lane April 9, 2000 at the Clubhouse to modern version of history. midwife for over 30 births. Lyndhurst, OH 44124-3737 honor the women who started the In their newsletter, the Club writes a club as a Reading Club in the late High Springs New Century Woman’s General Federation of Woman’s monthly article about a significant 1800’s. The founders continued to Club, Inc Clubs woman in American History. In promote reading by starting a library 40 NW First Avenue Metropolis Woman’s Club addition, they preserve the club’s in the Clubhouse in the early 1900’s. Hight Springs, FL 32655 4439 Crestwood Road history in a scrapbook. The High Springs New Century Metropolis, IL 62960 Woman’s Club is celebrating their The Club was established in 1897 as 100th birthday this year, 2000. A a woman’s literary society and in committee was selected to research 1908 became a part of the General

18 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Federation of Women’s Clubs. Women of Achievement in Maryland woman to include in a millennium “Annual Prudence Crandall Day” on Recorded minutes, financial records History, Inc. quilt. On Saturday, each girl and Labor Day weekend to particularly and annual program books are on file 12125 A Veirs Mill Road adult will go from tent site to tent site recognize these events. and complete from 1897-2000. This Silver Spring, MD 20906 to learn something about each troop’s year the club is having the minutes The Women of Achievement in woman of focus. Edna Dean Pemberton typed and bound for presentation to Maryland History project will 9438 Sohpora Drive the Metropolis Public Library. chronicle the evolving roles and The Prudence Crandall Museum Dallas, TX 75249 hard-won rights of women in Junction Routes 14 & 169 In Dallas Texas on March 18, 2000 at General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Maryland history. The project’s Canterbury, CT 06331-0058 the Concord M.B. Church located Women’s Club of Pittsford primary objective is the publication The Building is site of the first school 6808 Boulder Drive, 2000 women of P.O. Box 208 of a book recounting women’s history for young black women, established all cultures gathered in fellowship Pittsford, NY 14534 throughout the lives of individual by Prudence Crandall in 1833. The around exhibits, conversations, and The Club honored Dr. Logan-Young women whose spirit, school initially opened in the winter of refreshments. The highlight of the who established the “standard of accomplishments and determination 1832 as one to educate children from event was the grand march of all care” in this country for the diagnosis have created the fabric of today’s local upper-middle class white women with their own cultural of breast disease. She founded her Maryland. families. When Sarah Harris, a young attire/flag. The theme song is “Let breast cancer clinic in 1976. Named black woman, approached Prudence there be peace on earth and let it in honor of her mother, the Clinic Girl Scouts Lone Star Council Area II Crandall about entering the student begin with me.” treats 60,000 patients annually. Janice Jentsch body, Crandall was faced with having 216 E. Humphreys many white students withdrawn, Vickie Lewis National Black Herstory Seguin, TX 78155 having the school fail — or finding a 1243 S. Forest Drive Task Force, Inc. Each troop is focusing on a chosen way to remain open. Her solution was Arlington, VA22204 P.O. Box 55021 woman in history. They will research to close the academy and reopen on Coffee table book highlights the Atlanta, GA 30308 and plan how to deliver their April 1st, 1833 with all black students. strength and courage of women in The Task Force established an annual information. Their delivery will Though she faced legal action from the military service through poignant conference and awards Banquet to include skits, costuming, song, State of Connecticut, harassment and photographs and personal narratives, honor women of African descent and dance, readings, etc. On a selected violence, she stood strong until a mob offering a fresh perspective on their allies. Conference is held at weekend, 500-700 girls and adults attack on Sept. 9, 1834 forced her to American history. An inspiring book, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, fouth will gather for a camping weekend. close the Academy. The museum’s with more than 150 images from the weekend in March. The Group plans Each troop will give a 5 to 10 minute interpretation honors Prudence American Revolution through Desert to develop a research library and presentation on their chosen woman. Crandall, Connecticut’s State Female Storm. it is a moving and thought- museum to showcase their stories Each troop is making an individual Hero, and the courageous actions of provoking tribute to American and artifacts. quilt square reflecting their historical her student body. The Museum Hosts heroines.

COMMISSION REPORT 19 Laura Laitala OTHER CERTIFICATES OF MERIT 127 E Boundary Street Ely, MN 55731 Methacton High School’s Women’s Laura Laitala documented her Performance Group mother’s life. Born and raised in a 1001 Kriebel Mill Road Finnish American community in Norristown, PA 19403 northeastern Minnesota, she struggled to help keep her family Dianna Diatz afloat by running a boarding house 421 Mount Vernon Avenue after her father died when she was Alexandria, VA 22301-2233 seven. Beginning school only knowing the Finnish language, she Stephanie A. Patterson had to master the English language 6040 DeLong Road with a double-vision disability. She Indianapolis, IN 46254 completed school as one of the highest achievers, went on to attain Michelle Sisco her B.A as an educator and later 5540 Danville Highway returned to college in her mid-forties Lebanon, KY 40033 to earn her Masters degree. Her work as a pioneer in developing a sex General Federation of Woman’s Clubs education program in public schools IFC earned her a place on a governor’s 75 Excalibur Court committee. Lafayette, IN 47905

General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Mesquite Club, Inc. Post Office Box 14424 Las Vegas, NE 89114

General Federation of Woman’s Clubs Oconomowoc Woman’s Club W385 N5045 Lakeshore Drive Oconomowoc, WI 53066

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

Once again, we extend our thanks to the women and men who attended our meetings, at their own expense, to share their ideas with this Commission. Their thoughtful testimony shaped the concepts in this memo and provided the priorities for our work.

Commissions cannot accomplish their missions without competent staff. Ours was beyond compare. Martha Davis and Cindy Gilbert managed our schedules flawlessly. April Kaufman and Eleni Martin managed our media outreach superbly. Aprill Springfield recorded our every word with inordinate patience.

We extend special notes of appreciation to Sondra Seba, Agency Representative at The White House Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach. Her unique talent for ferreting out resources in the women’s community enriched our deliberations. We also recognize the enormous contributions of Professor Allida Black, Director, the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers, and Molly Murphy MacGregor, Co-Founder of the National Women’s History Project.

We are especially grateful to Steve Trachtenberg, President, George Washington University, for recognizing the importance of our mission. President Trachtenberg’s comments, delivered at the event he created in our honor, are a model for every University President and could well serve as a guide for raising awareness of the contributions of women to American history.

To Robert Peck, Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration, our thanks for saving the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office and allowing us to dedicate it at our Millennium Women’s History Month Celebration. To Ellen Lovell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Advisor to the First Lady for the Millennium Program, our thanks for inviting us to present our report to President Clinton at a special White House Millennium Evening. To Dave Barram, Administrator, General Services Administration, another round of applause for allowing us to continue our work well beyond the originally envisioned one-year time frame.

Finally, our enormous gratitude to President William Jefferson Clinton for his vision and encouragement. He took the unusual step of extending the life of this Commission so we could implement many of the recommendations included in this report. To Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose inspirational words guided us throughout our journey to discover our foremothers, a special vote of thanks.

We present this report as a testimony to our past and a hope that the future we imagine will include women as equal partners in the greatness that is America.

Ann Lewis & Beth Newburger Co-Chairs

November 15, 2000

COMMISSION REPORT 21 Presenting the Commission Report, The White House Millennium Evening, March 15, 1999 L to R, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Irene Wurtzel, LaDonna Harris, Gloria Johnson, President William Jefferson Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, J. Dr. Barbara Goldsmith, Dr. Elaine Kim, Beth Newburger, and Ann Lewis (Not pictured: Dr. Ellen Ochoa and Michael Cook)

22 PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY Office of the Press Secretary Washington, D.C., and the use of the latest technology to connect existing and planned (Hong Kong, People s Republic of China) women s 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.

PRESIDENT S COMMISSION ON THE CELEBRATION Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY extent permitted by law and where practicable, provide the Co-Chairs of the Commission with such information with respect to women s 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 Women in American History ( Commission ). The Commission shall be composed of not more than 11 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, staff, 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. With 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 Commission s 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 organizations, 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 organizations devoted to civil rights and opportunities for minorities and women. The private sector members shall WILLIAM J. CLINTON 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