Join us at the Evanston History Center for upcoming talks with a women’s history focus. These talks are part of the new FREE series of talks hosted by the history center – Talks@EHC. Please RSVP (links below or call EHC at 847-475-3410) as capacity may be limited.
You can find the full roster of talks on the Evanston History Center website. All talks take place at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street in Evanston.
Black Health Professionals in Evanston
Thursday, February 1st, 12-1 pm
EHC kicks off Black History Month with a presentation by historian Rhonda K. Craven who will highlight both the well-known and lesser known Black health professionals (many of whom were women) who lived and worked in Evanston from the late 19th century to 1930. Rhonda K. Craven is the Historian at the Second Baptist Church of Evanston. She has written articles and profiles, provided assistance for a number of research projects, and performed portrayals of church members. Much of her focus has been to share information about the early days of Evanston to provide a wider scope of the activities, professions, challenges, and triumphs of Black Evanstonians that people may not know about. RSVP here.
Profiles of Isabella Garnett and Elizabeth Webb Hill, two of the women who will be featured in this talk, can be found on this website.
Ladies of the Dawes House
Friday, March 8th, 1-2 pm
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Dawes House docents and volunteers will tell some of the fascinating stories of the women whose portraits grace the walls of the Charles Gates Dawes House. From the Revolutionary War to the growth of Chicago, the Dawes family was marked by, and made its mark, on the events of the time. The painted likenesses of Charles and Caro Dawes’ female ancestors, from Mehitable Dawes (b. 1751) to Carolyn Dawes Ericson (b. 1892), only hint at the real women’s captivating life stories. Hear how the women serenely watching us from their portraits on the walls contributed to the world around them, leaving a legacy for those who came afterward. RSVP here.
Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church
Join us on Sunday, March 10th at 3:30 pm for a book launch for co-author Christine Wolf for Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church. The new book is the first biography of the twentieth century powerhouse couple who, with prescient and persistent methodologies and hearts, gave four decades of legislative service, and established much of Illinois’ dedicated political tradition. Spanning everything from the awkward dance of prohibition in Evanston to Marguerite Stitt Church’s involvement in the creation of the Peace Corps — with a particular focus on her remarkable legacy as a pioneer for women in government — this historical nonfiction is both a resource and a gripping delight.
This Women’s History Month event is presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Evanston, which will share voter information and insights into its work at the event.
You can find more information about Marguerite Stitt Church on the Evanston Women’s History Project website.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.