Women in Industry the Focus of Two-Day Celebration Announced by National Museum of Industrial History
The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) will kick-off a month-long commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in March with International Women’s Weekend on March 7th and 8th. Women’s Weekend will celebrate the voices and stories of women in industry through a full schedule of youth educational activities, guided tours and exhibit enhancements, live historical reenactments, Girl Scout badge programs, film screenings and lectures.
“Throughout history women have played a vital role in the nation’s industrial past, from operating steam engines in 1876 to manning factories during World War II,” said Amber Emory, Director of Education and Community Partnerships at the museum. “That same entrepreneurial spirit and empowerment continues today and we look forward to an entire weekend of programming shining a light on the contributions of women past and present.”
Speaker highlights include “Packaging with PEEPS®!,” a presentation with Charlotte Edwards, a Senior Packaging Engineer at Just Born that details how America’ favorite marshmallow chicks go from the factory to the consumer, as well as a “Changing Lives,” a look at women in industry with Lisa Jane Scheller, the Chairman and President of Silberline Manufacturing Co., Inc. Other guests include Dr. Louise Krasniewicz of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Anthropology who will discuss Emma Allison, a 19th century steam engineer who made headlines in 1876, and Constance Thompson, the Senior Director of Women’s Engagement at the National Manufacturing Institute.
“Focusing on the stories of women’s industrial contributions during the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage is synonymous with our mission to not just focus on the industries that built the United States, but more so the people,” said Kara Mohsinger, President and CEO of NMIH. “All too often women are left out of the conversation of the country’s early workers and inventors and we look forward to illuminating their involvement in the industrial revolution.”
All events throughout the weekend are included in regular museum admission. For a full schedule of events and speaker biographies, please visit.org/womens-weekend.
Note: Museum representatives and select speakers are available for interview in preview of this event. Please use the below Media Contact information to inquire.
About the National Museum of Industrial History
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.
Media Contact:
Glenn Koehler
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
National Museum of Industrial History
[email protected]
610.573.3579 (cell)