March is Women’s History Month, which is even more special this year because 2020 marks 100 years since the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote! Institutions around Philly are celebrating in so many ways. Learn about some of the amazing women that helped shape our nation and challenge our ideals, and inspire the next generation of leaders by bringing your kids to these family-friendly events.

Women’s History Month at the National Constitution Center

Through March 31
525 Arch St.

 

Participate in an array of activities throughout March including the new program “Decoding the Lyrics: Bad Romance: Women’s Suffrage,” which rewrites Lady Gaga’s song to tell the story of women’s suffrage with more than a little bit of levity. Take a self-guided tour of the museum’s main exhibition, “The Story of We the People,” which highlights defining moments in women’s history. Artifact highlights include a judicial robe worn by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and a collection of artifacts from Susan B. Anthony and the movement for women’s suffrage. You can also test your knowledge of women’s history at the Giant Game Board.

‘Vision 2020: A Seat at the Table’ Installation at the Kimmel Center

March 1–September 30

300 S. Broad St.

 

Visit this interactive exhibition to discover what it took for women to win voting rights and how gender inequality persists. Gender equality in the United States is expressed through 3D infographic furniture: “Tables” indicate the places where important decisions are made that affect society, and “Seats” indicate the percentages of men and women at each of those tables. Interactive screens highlight important women who championed gender equality. Free and open to the public whenever the Kimmel Center is open.

Meet the Women of the Betsy Ross House

March 1, 11 am—3 pm

239 Arch St.

 

Kick off Women’s History Month and meet with historical reenactors including Betsy Ross at three different ages and three 18^th century middle-class entrepreneurs: chocolate maker Mary Crathorne; Hannah Lithgow, who owned the House when Betsy Ross rented rooms there; and, Phillis the washerwomen, a formerly enslaved woman. Interact with these History Makers and hear stories from a Once Upon A Nation Storyteller as you tour Betsy Ross House. Timed tickets ensure guests get a personal experience during the approximately hour-long program, so be sure to reserve your spot online.

Ranger Program: Ring It Again! The Women’s Liberty Bell

Saturdays and Sundays in March, 11 am and 1 pm

Liberty Bell Center, Sixth and Market streets

 

Find out how women in Pennsylvania forged a new symbol for the women’s suffrage movement using their own “Liberty Bell” in this brief ranger talk.

International Women’s Day Flower Market at The Logan

March 6, 8 am—12:30 pm

One Logan Square

 

Together with local women-owned businesses, The Logan invites you to a French-inspired morning to celebrate International Women’s Day. Stop by the hotel’s Front Drive to enjoy a pop-up French flower market. Create your own custom flower bouquet, then learn how to make your own assorted danishes before taking one to go!

‘Bold & Brave’ at Queen Memorial Library

March 6, 11 am; and March 18, 10:30 am

1201 S. 23rd St.

 

Learn the stories of heroes who dreamed big and never gave up in the fight for women’s voting rights. Then, create your own “Suffrage Cat,” a mascot for equality.

Free Design Workshop: Women in Design

March 7, 10:30 am—12:30 pm

Center / Architecture + Design, 1218 Arch St.

 

Ideal for ages 5-12, and their curious grown-ups, this free workshop includes free play, storytime, and design workshop. Pre-register online.

International Women’s Day Market at The Bourse

March 7, 11 am—4 pm

111 S. Independence Mall East

 

Come shop, support, and celebrate over twenty women-owned businesses throughout the City of Sisterly Love and beyond at The Bourse Food Hall! Plus, enjoy live entertainment from five spectacular female artists throughout the day.

Suffragist Saturdays at the Betsy Ross House

Saturdays from March 7-28, 11 am—2 pm

239 Arch St.

 

Meet Dora Lewis (1862-1928), a native Philadelphian and heroine of the American suffrage movement. Hear real stories from the front lines of the struggle to get women the vote, including tales of brutal beatings, arrests and hunger strikes she endured for the cause. Free with admission.

Women’s Storytelling Sundays at the Betsy Ross House

Sundays from March 8-29, 11 am—2 pm

239 Arch St.

 

Once Upon A Nation Storytellers will share short, true stories of women’s struggles to gain the vote and their other often unsung contributions to society. Free with admission.

Cool Women & Minizines with The Soapbox

March 7, 2 pm

Kingsessing Library, 1201 S. 51st St.

 

Celebrate Women’s History with community print shop, The Soapbox. Learn about cool women and create “minizines.”

International Women’s Day at the Benjamin Franklin Museum

March 8, 10 am–3 pm

Benjamin Franklin Museum (enter from Market or Chestnut Street between Third and Fourth streets)

 

Join park rangers in the lobby of the Benjamin Franklin Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day. Learn about women’s fight for equality across the globe. Kids’ activities include a special junior ranger activity, create your own ratification star or suffrage cat.

Learn about Suffragettes

March 11, 3:30 pm

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

 

School-age kids will hear a story about suffragettes and have a chance to make their own banner or Suffrage Cat mascot.

AAMP Family Fun Day: Who Run the World? Girls!

March 14, 11 am—3 pm

African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.

 

Celebrate Women’s History Month with free museum admission for the first 250 guests, interactive workshops, and art-making activities perfect for kids age 5 and up. There will also be face painting and live performances throughout the event.

Learn about Important Women in History: Frida Kahlo

March 18, 3:30 pm

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

 

School-age kids will learn about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with a story and art project. Hear the story of Frida Kahlo and her Animalitios, and then create an animal work of art.

Learn about Wonder Woman

March 23, 3:30 pm

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

 

School-age kids will learn about one of the most iconic superheroes, Wonder Woman, and make your own versions of her bracelets using everyday materials.

Running Like Wilma

March 25, 5 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

 

Read Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the Fastest Woman, then do some warm-up exercises, run a relay race around the library, and make winner medals.

Feminist Flea Market and Craft Fair

March 28, 11 am–6 pm

BOK Building, 1901 S. Ninth Street

 

Shop over 100 vendors and artists whose identities include womxn, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming. Tickets available online; proceeds benefit WOAR (Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence).

Women’s History: Literacy Stations for Kids

March 28, 1 pm

Haddington Library, 446 N. 65th Street

 

Sponsored by The West Philly Reading Captains, this event will explore women’s history through games, activities, book giveaways, and theatrical performance. Children and families will meet famous historical women at one of several literacy stations, and are encouraged to ask actors questions about their life and work.

 

 

 

 

Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.