February 25, 2016
Warren M. Winterbottom/AP
Friday the 13th, saw 13 young women join the Women's Air Force at Flag Day ceremonies at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, June 13, 1958. Lt. Co. Francis White, left, swore in group.
March marks Women's History Month, with International Women's Day occurring on March 8. Throughout the month, the many contributions women have made to history and society are remembered and highlighted.
It's also the perfect time to recognize and empower the women in our own communities.
Philly's 2016 celebration includes a mixture of the two, offering events discussing women in history and promoting women of today.
Throughout the month, the National Constitution Center is hosting special programming for the occasion.
There will be an interactive show, "Bad Romance: Women’s Suffrage,” that remixes Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” to tell the story of the women’s suffrage movement, as well as a giant board game to test guest's knowledge on women's history.
A self-guided tour will also be available through the museum, highlighting important moments in women’s history. Learn more about Alice Paul, Betty Ford, Dr. Mary E. Walker, Susan B. Anthony and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the tour.
The National Constitution Center is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
March
$8-$14.50 general admission
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
(215) 409-6600
Think beer is for bros? Forget that outdated stereotype because Philadelphia women are totally involved in brewing.
To celebrate Women's History Month, a panel of women brewers will discuss their success stories over a few beers.
Carol Stoudt, founder and owner of Stoudts Brewery, Erin Wallace, founder of Barren Hill Brewery, Nancy Rigberg, owner of Home Sweet Home Brew, and Christina Burris, brewer and operations manager at Saint Benjamin Brewing Company will partake in the discussion.
Brewing consultant Suzanne O'Brien will moderate and light snacks will be included to complement the beer selection available at the event.
Thursday, March 3
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | $15 admission
New Century Trust
1307 Locust St.
(215) 735-7593
Did you know that a woman printed the first copy of the Declaration of Independence that included the signatures? Her name was Mary Katharine Goddard.
At this Independence National Historic Park program, learn about Goddard and other 18th-century women printers.
The event also includes a demonstration of 18th-century printing on a reproduction press and special Women's History Month prints for sale.
Starting on March 5, the event will take place every Saturday and Sunday in March.
Saturdays-Sundays in March
11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Free
Franklin Court Printing Office
Market St., between 3rd and 4th streets
During a 30-minute slide presentation at Independence National Historic Park, learn about the many women who helped further the American cause of liberty, justice and equality for all.
The presentation will center on women of the American Revolution, abolition and women's suffrage.
Starting from Saturday, March 5, the event will take place every Saturday and Sunday in March.
Saturdays-Sundays in March
3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Free
Independence Visitor Center
1 N. Independence Mall W.
The Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association, campaigning amidst World War I, commissioned a Liberty Bell of their own. They added two words to the famous inscription.
Find out why they made a new bell and what it read during this 15-minute history lesson at Independence National Historic Park.
Saturdays-Sundays in March
10:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. | Free
Liberty Bell Center
Between Market and 6th streets
Mt. Airy Art Garage is hosting a panel discussion featuring leading women artists discussing issues pertinent to women and the arts. Speakers will tell their stories, examine ways to overcome stereotypes and hopefully inspire empowerment.
The panel will consist of women photographers, poets, professors, songwriters and singers who wish to share their experiences.
Sunday, March 6
3 p.m. | $8 per person
Mt. Airy Art Garage
11 W. Mt. Airy Ave.
(215) 242-5074
Enjoy a family friendly musical performance by Sister Cities Girlchoir, which is a girl empowerment choral academy in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey.
It started with 12 girls and now has around 250.
Saturday, March 12
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | $10 donation
New Century Trust
1307 Locust St.
(215) 735-7593
The Mt. Airy Art Garage and the Philadelphia FolkSong Society have teamed up for Women's History Month. The event will feature an array of performances by women artists.
Those artists include Anna Crusis Women’s Choir, No Good Sister, Ashley Phillips, Sarah & The Arrows and Silverton.
Doors for the 7 p.m. concert will open at 6:30 p.m and admission is $12 online or $15 at the door.
Saturday, March 12
7 p.m. | $12-$15 admission
Mt. Airy Art Garage
11 W. Mt. Airy Ave.
(215) 242-5074
Edgar Allan Poe left an impression on the literary world with his work (we can thank him for crafting the detective fiction genre), but who influenced Poe?
It was the women in his life, beginning with his mother, that had a deep effect on the writer.
To celebrate Women's History Month, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is offering free tours with details of Poe's most intimate relationships and how they shaped his writing.
March 12,13
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Free
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
532 N. 7th St.
Smart and Sexy Day, an annual free event for women seeking employment in the Philadelphia area, will take place on Monday, March 14. The event, hosted by Career Wardrobe, helps women prepare for employment by boosting self-confidence.
There will be a workforce training session, professional image classes and individualized support. Attendees will also receive an outfit they can wear to interviews and will be taught how to build a professional wardrobe on a budget.
The day will include breakfast and lunch, as well.
Those interested in the event should apply online to attend. The registration for the free event involves a survey.
Monday, March 14
The Wardrobe Boutique
1822 Spring Garden St.
(215) 568-2660
The film "Miss Representation," will be shown Wednesday, March 23 at New Century Trust.
The 2011 documentary explores how media contributes to the underrepresentation of powerful, influential women, instead choosing sexist depictions. Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Condoleeza Rice and Gloria Steinem all make appearances in the film to discuss the topic.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served for the screening. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 or at the door for $15.
Wednesday, March 23
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | $10-$15 admission
New Century Trust
1307 Locust St.
(215) 735-7593
Moore College of Art and Design's cleverly named weekend film festival includes six films about women artists, with five of them directed by women.
Films being screened are: "Conjure Women" by Demetria Royals, "Guerillas in Our Midst" by Amy Harrison, "The Heretics" by Joan Braderman, "Artist" by Tracey Moffatt, "Learning to Swallow" by Danielle Beverly and "Alice Neel" by Andrew Neel.
The event taking place over the weekend of Friday, April 1 is free to attend and will include introductions by successful women. Film times vary from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3
Free
Moore College: Stewart Auditorium
20th St. and the Parkway
(215) 965 - 4000
