Celebrating the Accomplishments of Women

by Gudrun Hutchins

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Public Law 97-28, which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as Women’s History Week for several years. In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Public Law 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions all women have made to the United States and the very specific achievements of American women in a variety of fields over the course of history.

As my own personal celebration of Women’s History Month 2021, let me introduce you to two women, one White and one Black, who contributed to science during the nineteenth century. Both were also active in the women’s rights movement. I have only recently discovered their accomplishments and hope you will join me in celebrating their work.