February 2016 - History Gal

5 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Women's History Month

By History Gal

1. It was a celebration started in 1978 by a school district in California.

On March 8, 1978, the Sonoma school district created a week-long celebration to honor women's contributions to our history, culture, and society.

2. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week.

In 1981, Congress made the week official and in 1987, the National Women's History Project successfully petitioned Congress to change it to a month-long celebration.

3. March 8th is a significant date.

These days, women's contributions to history are celebrated all month long in March. But, March 8 is a particularly important day. It is International Women's Day. The first International Women's Day events were held in 1911 and, in 1975, the day became even more widely known when the United Nations began sponsoring it.

4. Every year either Congress or the president must proclaim March Women's History Month. 

While it is pretty much a symbolic gesture, March is not officially Women's History Month until the ceremonial proclamation to honor women's contributions is issued by the current president or Congress.

5. Since 1987, each Women's History Month has had a theme sponsored by the National Women's History Project. 

Previous themes include "Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment" and "Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams." This year's theme is "Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business."

What do you do in your classes for Women's History Month? 

Teaching our students about the contributions that women have made to our world is very important. Check out these resources that could work in any classroom:

Celebrate Women's History Month in the ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM



Study Significant Women in History with these 

INTEGRATED MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES



More MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES for Women's History Month



Check out these Women's History Month resources for HIGH SCHOOL!


When we teach our students about significant women, we shed light on some of the greatest humans in history, dismantle stereotypes, and inspire our students. Thank goodness we have an entire month to celebrate!

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