Celebrating Women's History Month
Celebrating Women’s History Month all March long, Pueblo City County Library district had programs for all. A visit from Maria Von Trapp, a conversation about making a change, no matter what it takes, took a trip back in time with our archives, and honored 33 women during our annual Outstanding Women’s Awards.
In partnership with Colorado Humanities, PCCLD hosted Elsa Wolff, who performed as Maria von Trapp, for our March Chautauqua, on Wednesday, March 11. Having spent 5 years living near the Austrian Alps, Wolff feels especially connected to the von Trapp family history. Using humor, story, and music, she draws the audience in with this personal portrayal of Maria von Trapp. Maria has a story of overcoming and the faith to keep on trying.
In 2009, Monica Hall set out to obtain her nursing degree, but left with a lesson and new mission in mind. When her nursing program showed unfair practices during substandard course of study, Hall was determined to make a change to the way for-profit schools were held accountable for their students’ successes by working with lawmakers, despite only having $10 to her name. Friday, March 13, Hall held a talk at PCCLD’s Giodone branch about her journey.
Celebrating Women’s History Month, our Local History department took us back in time to celebrate the accomplishments of women in our community. We were able to take a look at documents from the Rye Women’s Club, established in 1933. The object of the club was “the study and discussion of literature, science, art and contemporary events” In 1935 they joined the Book of the Month Club, and started a library for the community. It grew to over 300 books, and became so large it was dissolved and the books given to the Rye School. They helped sponsor the Girl Reserves, which later became the Y Teens, a YWCA organization. Several members knitted for the Red Cross during the second world war, and sponsored a Needlework Guild which became a Red Cross Unit. They baked cookies for the USO, gave toward auditorium seats and curtains for the High School. The club still meets regularly.
PCCLD’s celebration for Women’s History Month is the annual Outstanding Women’s Awards. Established in 1986, this celebration is aimed to honor local women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Pueblo community. This year 33 women were recognized for their contribution to our community.