Women’s History Month is a worldwide celebration of the contributions women have made throughout history. Often pitted against social conventions and legal obstacles, women have created a legacy that expands the frontiers of possibility for generations to come. It’s a perfect time to hear from female experts in a number of fields and to celebrate the lives of historic women and womanhood in general.

Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History Month. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment,” honors the extraordinary and often unrecognized determination and tenacity of women.

Highlights of celebrations in Massachusetts include:

Greater Boston

• Boston Women’s Heritage Trail (BWHT) is the only tour that highlights the history, contributions, and accomplishments of the city’s women; visitors can arrange a guided tour or choose a self-guided tour.
• The Massachusetts Historical Society presents “A Traveled First Lady: An Evening with Louisa Catherine Adams” to hear excerpts from Adams’ diaries and memoirs that give insight into her life as First Lady. March 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• The Abigail Adams Historical Society presents an expert discussion panel titled “Revolutionary Women: Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, and Judith Sargent Murray,” where these women’s impact on our nation’s history will be discussed. March 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
• Join the Discovery Museum for “SMART Gals (Science, Math, Art): Amelia Earhart” and learn about women who have made important contributions throughout history to the fields of science, math, and art. Harbor your inner aviatrix while you create paper airplanes and celebrate the legacy of Amelia Earhart. March 6, 2 – 4:30 p.m.

Northern Massachusetts

• Special guided tours of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House will take place throughout March to illustrate her commitment to antislavery and social justice.
• The Actors Studio of Newburyport presents, “A Journey, A Play / A Story / A Song” where historical reflections from an African queen, a Slave Girl, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and other female American notables will be brought to life through singing, movement, and prose.  March 8, 8 p.m.

Western Massachusetts

• The fourth annual Berkshire Festival of Women Writers is a month-long celebration consisting of daily events and workshops designed to help women of all ages embrace their creativity and share their insights. Nearly 150 women will present at 58 events  throughout March.

How do you plan to celebrate Women’s History Month? Comment below or tweet us at @MassGov and let us know.

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Tags: celebration, historic sites, holidays, museum, music, tours, women, women's history month