National Women’s History Month has origins in New York City, where the Social Democratic Women’s Society first observed National Woman’s Day in 1909. That expanded to “Women’s History Week” due to work by educators in Santa Rosa, California, who initiated the week-long observance in 1978. The date in March was chosen to include International Women’s Day, March 8, which has been observed by the United Nations since 1975.
Through the work of women's organizations and educators, observance spread across the country. By 1986, fourteen states celebrated Women's History Month. In 1987, Congress designated March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity.
The theme for 2023 is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories". Learn more about the origins of Women's History Month and this year's celebration at the National Women's History Alliance.
Celebrate with us by exploring our recommended resources or by attending an event in our local community.
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