Women's History Month



 

Women-militaryThere are several federal governmental agencies and museums honoring America’s women during March. From the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Besides seeing what is available with these museums and agencies, do take the time to explore you own family tree for the ladies and their accomplishments. All had achievements, it is a matter of searching it out and adding it to the family history. One idea is to select just one or two females ancestors or ones from a side branch (great aunt, etc) and concentrate on that person to learn everything. Use newspaper articles, vital records, obituaries, family letters, and photographs. Talk to living relatives to see what they know. You just might turn up some unusual stories and information.

women-mary walkerOne very special agency is the Women In Military Service For America Memorial in Arlington, just outside of Washington, D. C. and near Arlington National Cemetery. Its grand opening was in 1997 and is a unique, living memorial honoring all military women—past, present and future—and is the only major national memorial honoring women who have served in our nation’s defense during all eras and in all services.

Women, in one form or another, have been in the forefront of helping protect and shape America, going back to the American Revolutionary War. So this memorial honors all females and recognizes their contributions. It is not just names, but most contain the story of the each female and their achievements.

women-pitcherIf you have an ancestor who served in some form (a nurse, a telephone operator, an enlisted soldier or officer) see that their name, a photo and story is added to the permanent collection at the Women In Military Service for America Memorial. I’m proud to state my mother, an early member in the Women’s Army Corp, was a chapter member of this memorial.

Photos: Women in Military Service Memorial, Dr. Mary Walker, wearing Medal of Honor. Ca. 1866; and June 28, 1778, Molly Pitcher taking over her husband’s gun after he was killed during the American Revolution.

Related FamilyTree.com genealogy blogs:

Women Postmasters

Women Honored in March

 

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