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| Maryland Women's Heritage Center | Volume 4, Issue 1
Summer 2014
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When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we may never see will benefit from our action, even as we enjoy the gifts sent to us from a donor upstream. - Maya Angelou
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501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization
39 West Lexington Street, Baltimore
(At the corner of Liberty and Lexington Streets)
Admission is Free!!!
Hours of operation: Thursday - Saturday,
10 am - 4 pm*
*At times the Center is closed for special events or due to weather conditions. Please check the website ahead of time for special notices.
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Maryland Women's Heritage Center
501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization
Frances Hughes Glendening, Former First Lady of Maryland and President of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center
Jill Moss Greenberg, Executive Director
Catherine "Katie" Curran O'Malley, First Lady of Maryland
Kendel S. Ehrlich, Former First Lady of Maryland
Diana M. Bailey, Managing Director
Sharon Pinder, Director, Mayor's Office of Minority and Women's Affairs
Michelle Duffy Orr, Treasurer
Rhonda J. Tomlinson,
Assistant Treasurer
Helen Holton, Baltimore City Councilwoman
Shoshana S. Cardin, Honorary Development Chair
Audrey E. Scott, Co-Chair, Development Committee
Betty Buck, Co-Chair, Development Committee, and President of Buck Distributing Co., Inc.
Linda A. Shevitz, Program Chair
Susan Morris Shaffer, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium
Lynne Brick
Rita R. Colwell Patricia E. Cornish Catherine R. Gira Joanne T. Goldsmith Sally T. Grant
Artis G. Hampshire-Cowan
William "Brit" Kirwan Linda Mahoney Jo-Ann Mayer Orlinsky Deborah R. Rivkin
Rita L. Robinson Carolyn B. Stegman Josie Thompson
Carmen Delgado Votaw Sue Ward (Deceased) Ex-Officio: Nancy S. Grasmick, Former
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools
Susan Elgin, Maryland
Commission for Women
Mark L. Shaffer, Counsel,
Site Selection Chair
Honorary Board:
Dominique Dawes, Olympic Champion
Helen Delich Bentley, Former Congresswoman and First Woman Director of the U. S. Maritime Commission
Barbara A. Mikulski, United States Senator
Cokie Roberts, Commentator and Author
Nora Roberts, International Best-Selling Author of Mystery and Romance Novels
*Lucille Clifton, Poet and Author, Former Maryland Poet Laureate (*Deceased)
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Quarterly Newsletter
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center's quarterly newsletter provides updates on events and activities of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center and women's groups throughout Maryland. If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail us. |
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Letter from the Executive Director
WELCOMING WORDS
from the MWHC Executive Director
We're back!!! After a hiatus, the newsletter of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center is rolling again. We hope that you enjoy this issue of our newsletter. In general, we'll be using a new, shorter format that will come to you with women's news more frequently.
Please scroll through the newsletter and participate in Center events as often as you can - and bring your family, friends, students and colleagues with you! You're welcome to share any items of interest with your own networks - and to share your information with us as well.
We're very pleased to let everyone know that Diana M. Bailey, a Founding Board Member of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center (MWHC) and a recent retiree from the Maryland State Department of Education, has joined our staff as the Managing Director. Diana brings tremendous skill and energy to this work, combined with extensive experience with women's issues. If you haven't already, you'll soon be hearing a lot from her! In addition to Diana's new position, we welcomed three terrific new MWHC Board Members, Sally T. Grant, Linda Mahoney and Josie Thompson. Read about them in this issue of the newsletter.
The Center is hosting a major fundraiser on September 28th to help support the MWHC's Educational Programs. It will be a wonderful event and we need your help to make it a success. There are three things you can do:
1. Buy a ticket for the event and bring others with you
2. Become a SPONSOR of the event and enlist your workplace and/or
organizations to become Sponsors as well
3. Donate something special for the Silent Auction
The fundraiser will include the Baltimore Premiere of Kate Campbell Stevenson's new one-woman show, Forging Frontiers: Women Leaders in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, a Silent Auction, and a Wine and Cheese Reception will follow. See all of the information for tickets and sponsorship below - and on our website www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org - and be sure to come!!
Check out the items about the second Women's History Tour of Baltimore that the MWHC coordinated during Women's History Month and the Women of Tomorrow, honoring Maryland girls who will be tomorrow's leaders, coordinated by the Maryland Commission for Women. Read about this issue's featured Woman of Wonder, Sheela Murthy, an absolute dynamo in immigration law and in actively supporting important issues and organizations. And be sure to read about our beloved Sue Fryer Ward, a MWHC Board Member who was the first person to become Secretary of Aging in a Maryland Governor's Cabinet. Sue passed on earlier this month to our deep regret, but left us with her legacy of what it means to be a true friend and a civil public servant.
We hope you'll enjoy this issue and look forward to lots of interaction in the future!
With warm summer wishes - Jill
Jill Moss Greenberg, Executive Director
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DON'T MISS IT! JOIN US FOR THE BALTIMORE PREMIERE OF KATE CAMPBELL STEVENSON'S NEW PRODUCTION
Forging Frontiers;
Women of the Past, Leading the Future
On Sunday, September 28, 2014, the Maryland Women's Heritage Center (MWHC) will host an exciting fundraising event at the Engineers Club in Baltimore. An afternoon performance will feature award-winning actor Kate Campbell Stevenson portraying many celebrated women who have Forged Frontiers throughout history. A wine and cheese reception and Silent Auction will follow. The event hours are 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
Please Register NOW to attend the
MWHC Fundraiser, Silent Auction
and
Performance by
Kate Campbell Stevenson
Please Click HERE to REGISTER
Fundraiser Sponsorship Options
and to
DONATE items for the
Fundraiser's
SILENT AUCTION
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center
Appreciates your Participation and Support
Thank You
VIEW LARGER ___________________________________________________________________________________ |
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MARCHING FORWARD
WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE MARKER IN OVERLEA, MARYLAND
Editor's Note: Leading up to women winning the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing the Right to Vote to American women, a march from New York City to Washington, DC, was held in the winter of 1913. The last stop before the suffragists entered Baltimore City - and then on to Washington - was in Overlea, Maryland, where the women were welcomed by supporters at the Overlea Town Hall. On the 100th Anniversary of that march, in March of 2013, a commemorative march was held on Belair Road in Baltimore County. On June 9, 2014, an historic marker was unveiled to permanently honor that march and those brave women. Senator Kathy Klausmeier served as Master of Ceremonies. Secretary Gloria Lawlah, Chair of the Maryland
Commission on the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, and Councilwoman Cathy Bevins were among the speakers dedicating the marker.
Diana Bailey, Managing Director of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center and Kate Campbell Stevenson, Actor/Producer and Cultural Ambassador for the Maryland Women's Heritage Center, represented MWHC at the event. Kate presented a Certificate of Recognition from Vision 2020, the nationwide effort to prepare for celebrating the suffrage anniversary in the year 2020. Kate and MWHC Board Member Carmen Delgado Votaw are Maryland representatives with Vision 2020.
Here is Kate's vivid description of the June 9 Suffrage Event:
On June 9, 2014, I proudly represented the Maryland Women's Heritage Center and Vision 2020 in an unveiling ceremony for a new historical marker in Overlea, MD. This special marker placed on a main thoroughfare north of Baltimore, commemorates the stopover of "The Army on the Hudson." Who? Never heard of them? I surmise most haven't. But everyone should know about the 14 gutsy women who marched over 200 miles through cold winter weather from New York to Washington, DC to demand their right to vote. Upon arrival in the nation's capitol they joined forces with over 8,000 women marching down Pennsylvania Ave in the great Women's Suffrage Parade of 1913. This marker unveiling is one of many events to be held over the next six years commemorating the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
As I gazed at the historical marker, I wondered, would I have had their courage and commitment to make that long cold journey? They persevered 16 days through extreme physical challenges-- cheered on by supporters and taunted by their critics. Over a century ago these daring trailblazers (without the advantages of modern roads and shock-absorbent shoes!) were deemed "radical" and "outrageous!" Many women marched despite strong objections of their husbands and families. Yet, they dared to literally step up, and demand the legal vote for women- one half of our country's population.
With this new marker, the "Army on the Hudson's" story is now visible. It reminds all who drive by how determined women can help change the world. Now more than ever with state primaries and general elections this year, the best way to honor these brave women and shape the future is to use your VOICE and VOTE!
- Written and contributed by Kate Campbell Stevenson
 
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WOMEN OF TOMORROW
HONORED BY THE MARYLAND COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Each year, today's young women who will be tomorrow's leaders are recognized through The Women of Tomorrow Awards. This program is sponsored by the Maryland Department of Human Resources, Maryland Commission for Women (MCW), Maryland State Department of Education, and the friends of the MCW. The goal of the program is to honor girls who are outstanding students and members of their communities and who have a strong vision for the future. Teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators and Girl Scout leaders are asked to submit nominations of outstanding students. A selection committee, consisting of representatives of the sponsoring organizations, determines the finalists.
The remarkable young women honored as the 2014 Women of Tomorrow are:
GRADES 7-8 HONOREES
First Place - Eden Williams, Milton Somers Middle School, Charles County
Honorable Mention - Sadia Nourin, Argyle Magnet Middle School, Montgomery County
GRADES 9-10 HONOREES
First Place - Claire Hudson, Perryville High School, Cecil County
Honorable Mention - Achol Odolla, Digital Harbor High School #416, Baltimore City
Harleigh Maxine White,Huntingtown High School, Calvert County
GRADES 11-12 HONOREES
First Place - Delanee-Alexis Coley, New Town High School, Baltimore County
Honorable Mention - Mercedes Myrick,Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts, Baltimore County
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A UNIQUE LOOK AT BALTIMORE HISTORY
WOMEN'S HISTORY TOUR OF BALTIMORE
SHOWCASING MARYLAND WOMEN OF
CHARACTER, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT
To celebrate Women's History Month in 2014, the Maryland Women's Heritage Center developed and presented an all-day Maryland women's history bus and walking tour of Baltimore. In collaboration with Renaissance Productions, a wide range of sites was visited and information was presented in many forms, including Living History Performances by featured presenters. Participants in the tour came from as far away as California!
The tour began at the Women's Heritage Center, where an overview was provided about recognizing women's contributions, and a presentation by an actor portraying environmentalist Rachel Carson was given.
The next site was the Jewish Museum of Maryland where information was shared on the role of historic and contemporary Jewish women. including a tour of a special feature connected to the Museum - one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. Other sites included a presentation at Orchard Street Church by Harriet Tubman on her role on the Underground Railroad.
A delicious interactive visit was lunch at the historic Women's Industrial Kitchen and Women's Exchange,established in the late 1800's to provide opportunities for growth for economically challenged local women. In addition to a restaurant, the Exchange features crafts and products developed and sold by Baltimore women. Before returning to the Heritage Center, another diversity perspective was shared at Mother Seton's House and St. Mary's Spiritual Center by historic Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first nuns of African descent, and Mother Elizabeth Seton, first female saint canonized from the United States.
Everyone raved about this tour so it may be repeated in the future. Let us know if you want to be put on the list to be informed about any future tours. Send your contact information to Women's History Tour c/o Linda Shevitz ([email protected]).
  
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NEW BOARD MEMBERS
of the
MARYLAND WOMEN'S HERITAGE CENTER
Three outstanding women, Sally Grant, Linda Mahoney, and Josie Thompson have joined the Board of Directors of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.
Each has a long history of dedication to women's issues. We welcome them and the added vision, experience and energy that they bring to our terrific Board. Learn more about these women on the MWHC website.
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Sally T. Grant
| Sally Grant was born in Maryland and for years has worked passionately in the field of women's rights and civil liberties. She served as a role model for women and young girls by working in business and legal fields at a time when few women did. Ms. Grant chaired the Maryland Commission for Women when the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame was created. She was a founder of the Women's Alliance of Maryland and held state and national offices in a wide variety of organizations working on women's and social justice issues ranging from the League of Women Voters and the Girl Scouts to the National Council of Jewish Women and the ACLU.
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Linda Mahoney
| Linda Mahoney was a three-term President of Maryland NOW, which in 2011-12 successfully organized and led a coalition to pass Maryland legislation to install a Harriet Tubman statue in the U.S. Capitol. Her work with the National Organization for Women culminates almost four decades of participation and support of political organizations in Maryland and Arizona. Her political activist background has been in program development, organizing and training volunteers, leadership development, coalition building and organizing election campaigns. Ms. Mahoney served for several years on the Board of the Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women [MLAW] and the Steering Committee of the Women's Legislative Briefing (Maryland). She also serves as political action liaison of the Prince George's County Lesbian ZIP Code Group. In 2013, Governor O'Malley appointed her to the Harriet Tubman Statue Fundraising Commission |
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Josie Thompson
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As a small child growing up in the Philippines, Josie Thompson had a love of drawing. Seventeen years ago, that passion led her to start her own graphic design business, JosieDesigns. Through her high quality designs she assists corporations, government entities, industry associations and nonprofit organizations. Ms. Thompson designed the STEM exhibit at the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. She works actively as part of the Fort Meade Alliance, Pass it Forward, Maryland, the American Association of University Women, and Katipunan (the Filipino-American Association of Maryland). Ms. Thompson is the co-founder of the Asian Business Women of America and the first Asian American woman to chair the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce.
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Focus on A Woman of Wonder
SHEELA MURTHY...CARING FOR PEOPLE
By Carolyn B. Stegman
Sheela Murthy is a leader in U.S. Immigration law. The Murthy Law Firm's 80+ dedicated employees help strengthen U.S. companies seeking the best and the brightest workers from abroad. She considers the opportunities for success in the United States to be fertile ground for anyone who has a vision, is willing to work hard, and has the right attitude. Says Murthy, "I believe that diversity is our Nation's strength, and it is our mission to help people achieve their American Dream to live and work in this great country."
Her own citizenship into the United States from her native India did not go smoothly. The Harvard Law graduate spent many sleepless nights under much stress. "My lawyer was not so terrific and was inconsiderate. I remember thinking I could do a better job. It is not only how much you know, but also how much you care."
Murthy set out to help professional people immigrate without the stresses she encountered and to help them navigate the nuances of immigration laws and maze of paperwork, which have become even more complicated since September 11, 2001. "Many potential immigrants have the perception that immigrants are not welcome, and that the United States, in their efforts to enhance homeland security, prefers to kick people out. Some feel getting into the U.S. is like climbing Mt. Everest."
At the helm of the Murthy Law Firm in Baltimore, she has helped thousands, including those she has aided pro bono. She also set up a website to help answer people's questions about immigration, from generic to specific. This website (www.murthy.com) is now considered the world's most popular law firm site. From faculty members to researchers, from health care professionals to lawyers, Murthy has paved the way for their entrance into the U.S. and helped them secure permanent residence, all done with compassion.
Considered one of America's top immigration lawyers, she frequently speaks around the world and is motivational for her passion, enthusiasm, and unique perspectives as a minority woman, an immigrant, a philanthropist, and a business leader. Through the years she has been active in many organizations including the United Way, the Girl Scouts, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, and the American Bar and American Immigration Lawyers Associations, and her work has led to many honors and awards. The Maryland Women's Heritage Center is proud to honor her.
Carolyn B. Stegman, author of Women of Achievement in Maryland History, interviewed Sheela Murthy for this article.
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Carmen Delgado Votaw
A Woman of Character, Courage and Commitment
The National Women's History Project (NWHP) honored 12 women from throughout the country as "Women of Character, Courage and Commitment" during Women's History Month 2014. Included in this select group is Carmen Delgado Votaw, a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. The NWHP honored Carmen Delgado Votaw and the other honorees at a reception in Washington, DC, citing her as an International Women's Rights Activist, with this description:
Carmen Delgado Votaw is a leading advocate for women's rights both nationally and internationally. She served on the International Women's Year Commission, collaborated with all United Nations Conferences on Women, and significantly influenced the advancement of women in Latin America. Born and raised in Puerto Rico and inspired to fight for social justice by Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1963 March on Washington, she has worked for over 50 years for the betterment of women, children, Latinos, and other minorities throughout the world. In 1996, she wrote "Puerto Rican Women," a bilingual women's history book. She received the Veteran Feminists of America Medal of Honor in 1999.
Congratulations to Carmen for this well-deserved honor!!!
Additional information may be found on the website of the National Women's History Project, www.nwhp.org.
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 IN MEMORIAM SUE ELLEANORE FRYER WARD Sue Fryer Ward, a Founding Board Member and Founding Mother of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center passed on peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2014. Sue was an exceptional person and a leader in all areas of social justice, particularly aging. She served as Director of the Department of Aging in Prince George's County for a decade. She then served as the first Maryland Secretary of Aging. In the administration of Governor Glendening, she shaped an agency that genuinely cared about meeting the needs of Maryland's growing senior population. At the national level, she worked at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare where she significantly increased their capabilities in grassroots organizing throughout the country. Sue was warm and welcoming to everyone, humble despite her titles and achievements. She tirelessly advocated on behalf of those who had little voice or connections and accomplished a tremendous amount on their behalf. She stood out in this time of so much incivility by her example of what a truly civil and compassionate human being can represent. All of us at the Maryland Women's Heritage Center will miss her presence, humor and sage guidance, but will carry with us her legacy of dedication, equality, caring and social justice. Editor's Note: The family of Sue Ward asked that anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory, make a donation to the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. If you wish to do so, you may send a check or donate on the Center's website www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Join the Women's Heritage Center Team:
Become a Docent or Committee Volunteer
Docents are needed to staff the Maryland Women's Heritage Center during regular operating hours. and to work with our Committees.We're also always looking for volunteers to join our committees, help with our programs and events, and other tasks. Those interested in working with us and joining our terrific team, should contact Diana Bailey at [email protected] or call us at 443-708-2442.
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Maryland Women's Heritage Center Mission
The mission of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center is to preserve the past, understand the present, and shape the future by recognizing, respecting, and transmitting the experiences and contributions of Maryland women of diverse backgrounds and regions.
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Maryland Women's Heritage Center
Phone: 443-708-2442
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We are proud to partner with the following organizations that support the creation of this historic first:
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