By Lori Osborne, Evanston Women’s History Project Director 150 years ago, Evanston was at the center of an experiment in education that would define it for generations. Though Northwestern University is the best known today, it was two small women’s colleges that established Evanston as “a paradise for women.”1 As we start the school year …
By Lauren Dain, EWHP Summer 2022 Intern My name is Lauren Dain. I am a recent graduate of Evanston Township High School (ETHS) and a freshman at Northwestern University. This past summer, I spent a second summer interning at the Evanston History Center (EHC). Along with Meg Houseworth, a senior at ETHS and an EHC …
Women’s Equality Day is a good day to recognize the nearly 70 year battle American women waged for full citizenship rights. Occuring on August 26th, Women’s Equality Day marks the passage of the 19th Amendment on this date in 1920. The 19th amendment stated: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be …
Even the 4th of July has a women’s history connection in Evanston. Visit the Frances Willard House and Northwestern University Library websites for more of this important story! https://www.northwestern.edu/150-years-of-women/learn/library-exhibit/fireworks-and-fire.html Happy 4th!
Shorefront Legacy Center unveiled its new historic marker program to honor historic and contemporary sites in Evanston important to the African American community in May of 2022. Sites chosen are nominated and guided by the local community under Shorefront’s leadership, and new sites will be added annually. The African American Heritage Sites program was passed …
Evanston African American Sites Heritage Program Read More »
The Women’s L Project is the brain child of Janet Volk, a Chicago woman fascinated by local history, and Jessika Savage, a local graphic designer. To discover the Evanston women included on the Purple Line stops that run through town – visit this page – https://www.womenslproject.com/pages/purple-line From the project’s website: The Women’s L Project honors …
Though not specifically focused on women’s history, the Evanston History Center House Walk-By is a great way to honor the women in your life – and connect with Evanston history too. In 2022, the house walk will focus on the Oakton Historic District in south Evanston. Often called the bungalow district, it includes some architectural …
This virtual presentation by Scott Mehaffey, Executive Director at Edith Farnsworth House National Historic Site in Plano, Illinois, took place on April 5, 2022. Mehaffey discussed the history and current status of the renowned International Style house. The historical house was commissioned by Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a prominent Chicago medical doctor, musician, and poet. The house, a one-room weekend …
The League of Women Voters of Evanston held its first meeting on March 28, 1922 – 100 years ago. The National League of Women Voters was founded on February 14, 1920 (in Chicago) and the 19th amendment was ratified on August 26, 1920. Why did it take two years for the Evanston league to form? …
Happy 100th Anniversary to the League of Women Voters of Evanston! Read More »
Evanston women were active in war efforts from the earliest days of the community. During the American Civil War, Evanston women supported the Union war effort through their churches and the sanitary fairs that raised funds to support Union troops. Jane Blaikie Hoge was a key organizer for the U.S. Sanitary Commission, along with her …
