The West Virginia and Regional History Center extends the invitation to commemorate the closing of “Women Making History: Showcasing the West Virginia Feminist Activist Collection” from 2-4 p.m. today, on the sixth floor of WVU’s Downtown Library. The open house will include refreshments in the Library Atrium.
The WVRHC collects records and oral histories to document the history of women and activism in the state and region.
“The ‘Women Making History’ exhibition features archival materials and tells the story of change-making women and organizations in West Virginia. It’s inspirational. We want the public to see this amazing exhibit before it closes at the end of May,” WVRHC Director Lori Hostuttler said.
The exhibit highlights women who sought employment in traditionally male dominated fields like coal mining and construction trades as well as West Virginia women who championed women’s issues through advocacy, lobbying and the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. It also focuses on women who used creative pursuits like music, art and comedy to call for women’s rights and create spaces for women.
“Women Making History” was written and curated by students in the WVU History Department and faculty and staff from WVU Libraries. It is supported by funding from a Carnegie fellowship secured by Jessie Wilkerson, the Joyce and Stuart Robbins chair in WVU’s Eberly College of Arts & Sciences.
In addition to this special viewing, “Women Making History” is available during the WVRHC’s open hours until it officially closes on May 31.
For more information contact Hostuttler at 304-293-1116 or Lori.Hostuttler@mail.wvu.edu.
