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Women's Herstory Month 2023: Explore & Learn

Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

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.

Recommended Reading

Recommended Reading: Children's and Young Adult

Recommended Viewing

What Happened, Miss Simone? Movie Poster

What Happened, Miss Simone?

A documentary about the life and legend Nina Simone, an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist often called the High Priestess of Soul.

DVD at Norlin Library.

A Ballerina's Tale Movie Poster

A Ballerina's Tale

Black ballerina Misty Copeland is profiled in this documentary, which explores her career, her recovery from a serious injury and the lack of diversity in the world of dance.

Watch online. (1 hour 23 minutes)

RBG Movie Poster

RBG

RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's exceptional life and career from Betsy West and Julie Cohen.

Watch online. (1 hour 39 mins)

bell hooks : cultural criticism and transformation movie logo

bell hooks : cultural criticism and transformation

In this richly illustrated two-part interview, hooks argues that we can acknowledge the impact of media without denying our own agency or the pleasure we derive from popular culture. 

Watch online. (1 hour)

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