15 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Philly
Where to celebrate women, past and present, in Philadelphia.
![Throughout March, there are lots of ways to mark Women's History Month, and honor women's contributions, past and present.](https://www.inquirer.com/resizer/KeZFRqtbdWMrJlcwTJ1j5oltcfY=/760x507/smart/filters:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/X6M25P4S5JH2DMQMJ5JUC7YSQE.jpg)
March is Women’s History Month. Whether you’re honoring the strides made by women in the past, or paying homage to strong women in the present, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Philly.
Here are some of the ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Philly.
General Harriet Today
(History / in-person / virtual / community) The African American Museum in Philadelphia celebrates Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. Playwright and author Lorene Carey reads from and discusses her play My General Harriet. Learn about Tubman’s life and joys, as well as her politics and civic stances. In-person capacity is limited, but virtual tickets are available. (Free, AAMP, March 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 701 Arch St., www.aampmuseum.org)
The Real Housewives of Ancient Egypt Parts 1-3
(History / virtual) This series of three classes digs deep into the roles of women in ancient Egypt. Led by Penn graduate students and professors, the classes will cover the economic, social, and political positions of women during this period. ($125-$175, March 10, 17, 6:30-8 p.m., penn.museum)
Girl Scout History at Betsy Ross House
(History / in-person / community) In this historical reenactment, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette Low shares the story of how the organization came to be, more than 100 years ago. Learn how the Girl Scouts have impacted the lives of women nationally, and join two West Philly-based troops for crafts and activities. And yes, you can buy cookies, too. (Free, March 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org)
Meet Frances Harper at Betsy Ross House
(History / in-person / community) Frances Harper was a poet, writer, abolitionist, and prominent Black figure in Philadelphia. Hear personal accounts of Harper’s life, including how she became one of the first Black women in the country to be published. (Free, March 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org)
Meet Elizabeth Drinker at Betsy Ross House
(History / in-person / community) Elizabeth Drinker was an American woman forced to find her way alone in British-occupied Philadelphia while her husband was detained by the British. In this historical reenactment, meet her and learn how she beat the odds and became a prominent member of Quaker society. (Free, March 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org)
‘Meet Elizabeth Freeman’ film
(History / in-person / virtual) This film at the Museum of the American Revolution features a first-person performance on the life of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who sued for her freedom and won. You can also stream the film online at any time. (Saturdays and Sundays in March, 11:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m., Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)
Pop-Up Talk: Baroness Von Riedesel
(History / in-person) While exploring the Museum of the American Revolution’s galleries, you’ll have the chance to hear the story of Baroness Von Riedesel, a camp follower turned prisoner of war. Learn the many ways that women contributed to the Revolutionary War effort. (Daily in March, 11:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m., Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)
Tableau Talk: When Women Lost the Vote
(History / in-person) Did you know that women had the vote prior to the ratification of the 19th Amendment? Learn how women and people of color voted legally in a New Jersey state election in 1801, only to have that right stripped away. (Daily in March, 11:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m., Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)
19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote
(History / in-person / virtual) Learn the stories of American women who fought to earn women the right to vote. This exhibit explores the journey that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. You’ll hear about heroic women like Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul and leave with deeper insight into the suffrage movement. (Daily in March, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., constitutioncenter.org)
Four Harriets Program
(History / in-person) Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs, and Harriet Beecher Stowe were four American women who greatly impacted the nation’s history. During this program, explore each of their lives and gain deeper understanding of the roles they played in the fight for women’s rights and other human rights. (Daily in March, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., constitutioncenter.org)
The Invincible Garden Ladies, A Women’s History Lecture with Abra Lee
(Community / virtual / history) Black women have been instrumental in shaping horticulture in America. This conversation, in partnership with Wyck House, will touch on the many ways women used plants for healing and self-expression. (Free, March 12, 11 a.m.-noon, visionforwardatdrexel.org)
Virtual Women’s History Month Celebration with PAFA
(History / virtual / community) Celebrate the amazing women represented in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ collections. This virtual celebration includes a chance to make your own art pieces using everyday items in your home. At the end, you’ll have a work of art inspired by PAFA’s many women artists. (Free, March 12, 10:30 a.m.-noon, pafa.org)
Late Winter Bird Hike
(Outdoors / in-person / community) The Feminist Bird Club was founded in 2016 by Molly Adams to combine her passions for nature and social justice issues. Now, the group promotes inclusivity in birding by providing a safe space where the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities can enjoy nature. Bring your own binoculars and wear comfy clothes as you hike and try to spot over 150 different species of birds at Awbury Arboretum. (Free, March 12, 8-11 a.m., Awbury Arboretum, 6060 Ardleigh St., awbury.org)
Preserving & Adapting Their World: The Women of Cliveden
(History / in-person) Many women — Black and white, enslaved and free — lived and worked at the historic Cliveden House. On this tour, explore the exhibit that looks into the lives and histories of these women, and go behind the scenes of how the exhibit came together. ($25, March 23 & 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Cliveden House, 6401 Germantown Ave., cliveden.org)
Resilience & Healing: A Celebration of Women in Song
(Music / in-person / community) Celebrate the resilience of women through the power of music. The Opera Philadelphia Chorus and the Faith Ensemble of Wharton-Wesley United Methodist Church inspire and spark joy in honor of women everywhere at a free afternoon concert. (Free, March 27, 3 p.m., Wharton-Wesley United Methodist Church, 5341 Catherine St., operaphila.org)
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