Gail Collins Kicks off “100 Years of Women Making History” at Fairfield Museum

Fairfield, CT - On Sunday, February 9, the Fairfield Museum kicked off a year-long series to mark the centennial of women’s suffrage, “Voting Was Just the Beginning: 100 Years of Women Making History” with an exciting program featuring New York Times columnist Gail Collins. Collins spoke to a sold-out crowd about her new book, No Stopping Us Now: Age, Politics and the Adventures of Older Women in American History.

“The Fairfield Museum was delighted to host a fascinating community conversation with Gail Collins last Sunday which provided the perfect opener for our fantastic series of lectures and programs celebrating the centennial of women’s suffrage,” noted the Museum’s executive director, Michael Jehle.

The Museum’s director of interpretation Laurie Pasteryak added, “This year’s anniversary of women’s right to vote provides the Fairfield Museum with a wonderful opportunity to explore how far women have come in our society and what the future holds for women’s rights.  I hope that everyone can join us to hear the other extraordinary speakers we have coming this spring.“

Events this year will include lectures, a new exhibition, and family programs. “100 Years of Women Making History” is presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Fairfield and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls, with generous support from Bigelow Tea, CT Humanities, Seth Buchwald and Alliance Bernstein.

At the “No Stopping Us Now” event, Collins spoke about her new book, which has been lauded as “rollicking” and “eye-opening,” and stayed to meet attendees and answer questions. The author spoke about women throughout U.S. history and examined how society has valued them as the times and the economy has changed. She shared anecdotes, entries from diaries, and fascinating stories about women ranging from Martha Washington to Rosa Parks to airline “stewardesses” in the 1970s.  The Fairfield Museum is grateful to Alan and Sylvia Neigher for their support of this extraordinary event.

Information on all of the programs celebrating the anniversary of women’s suffrage can be found on the Museum’s website, fairfieldhistory.org. Here is the exciting lineup.

Thursday, February 27, 6-8pm – “Floral Expressions: 200 Years of Women’s Power through Fashion” opens with a free reception at the Fairfield Museum. The exhibit explores women’s historical and social trends through botanical-inspired fashions.

Sunday, March 8, 10am-4pm – “Family Focus: Celebrate International Women’s Day” features free admission and a craft. Sponsored by People’s United Bank.

Wednesday, March 18, 12:30-1:30pm – History Bites Lunchtime Lecture on “Connecticut Women and the Battle for the Ballot” with Sacred Heart University professor Dr. Kelly Marino.

Sunday, March 22, 3:00-4:30pm – “The ERA: What’s Happening” panel with Cindy Wolfe Boynton, CT NOW President, and Christine DeTroy, women’s rights activist.

Friday, April 17, 10:00am-12:00pm – “Family Focus: Passport to Leadership Workshop,” in partnership with LiveGirl, this workshop will help young people learn to be confident leaders. Sponsored by People’s United Bank.

Sunday, May 3, 4pm – “Exploring Women’s Suffrage through 50 Historic Treasures” with historian and curator Jessica Jenkins.

Tuesday, May 19, 4pm – “Fashioning Women’s Suffrage” Annual Meeting and lecture with Dr. Heather Munro Prescott, Central Connecticut State University professor.

About the Fairfield Museum & History Center

The Fairfield Museum & History Center and Museum Shop, located at 370 Beach Road, is open seven days a week, 10am-4pm. Members of the Museum and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information, call 203-259-1598 or visit Fairfieldhistory.org. The Fairfield Museum relies on funding from individuals, corporations and foundations. The Museum is especially grateful for leadership support from the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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