Special Edition: 2014  

 

To ensure an orderly transition, MWHC Managing Director Diana Bailey will continue to manage the Center's activities, effective November 21st, in conjunction with Judi Williams and the MWHC Officers and Board of Directors. Because Jill and Jim will be "heading south" immediately after Thanksgiving, we are planning an "emerita" reception upon her return to Maryland in the spring months. Despite the miles, Jill is never far from our hearts.

Frances Hughes Glendening

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Reflections on Telling Herstory

 

It has been nearly 35 years since I initiated the Maryland Women's History Project while serving on the Maryland Commission for Women.  Over these decades, in partnership with Linda Shevitz and the Maryland State Department of Education, local Maryland Commissions for Women, and statewide women's, education and history organizations - and support from the State of Maryland - the project evolved from developing educational materials to the vital Maryland Women's Heritage Center. The Center opened its doors in June of 2010. It is the home of the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame, established in 1985 by the Maryland Commission for Women and the Women Legislators of the Maryland General Assembly, and features exhibits and activities related to women in STEM, Leadership, and many other fields of endeavor.

 Together, we have created a national first - a statewide, community-based Center with museum components that reframes history to include ALL  of us by "adding herstory to history to tell ourstory."  We have been able to identify and honor the contributions of diverse Maryland Women, both renowned and those who are unsung heroines in our families, communities, organizations and workplaces.  Their stories and achievements are inspiring today's young women - and men.

 The success of the Center since its opening in 2010 is demonstrated by a few examples of its impact at multiple levels: Local - our educational resources distributed to and utilized by every public school, community college and library; State - our STEM partnership with the Women of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; National - our selection as the site for the first-ever National Town Hall Meeting on Women's History conducted by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service; and International, with the opening of a "sister center" in India by women who were inspired by their visit to the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. With regularity, innovative programs have been held - onsite and around the state - to educate and engage youth and adults around important issuses, from Women's Suffrage to the Women of World War II, from Generations for Justice to telling Griots' stories, and from the first International Day of the Girl to Title IX, assuring gender equity in education. So much has been achieved during our first years!

 The Center is presently at an exciting pivotal point, secure with a strong leadership team, headed by our indomitable President Francie Glendening, an outstanding staff with Diana Bailey as Managing Director and Judi Williams as Administrator, a dynamic Board of Directors, and a core of dedicated, talented volunteer committee members and docents.  It is poised to implement a strategic plan that will support its programming and generate the funding necessary to ensure its ongoing sustenance and growth.  Your involvement in that implementation will be crucial.

 With pride in the foundation we have built and confidence in the dedication and competence of MWHC's leadership team and volunteers, I feel that this is the appropriate time for me to retire from the position of Executive Director.  I can do so now with the assurance that the Center will be in capable hands - guided by brilliant minds and dedicated hearts.

My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you who have been giving of your talents and time to the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.  YOUR efforts have made all the difference! What I will carry with me is energy and joy from the inspiring devotion and continuous efforts of the unsung heroines - and some heroes too - who selflessly labor in the vineyards, growing Maryland Women's History and working tirelessly toward inclusion, respect and justice for all. My dedication to our mission will not diminish.  I will always remain part of the Center and will lend my support whenever I can going forward - I urge you to do the same!

 

With best wishes and high hopes -   Jill

 

 

Since June, MWHC has been participating in a state-funded strategic planning process with consultants from Cultural Resources Management Group. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis was conducted with input from the Board of Directors and a variety of external partners. A component of this procedure, a Board of Directors "Advance", was facilitated at the Center in October where additional planning and timelines were developed.

The final report of the MWHC Strategic Plan will be completed by mid December so that the Board of Directors and staff can begin addressing the priority recommendations early in 2015. This report will be available upon request, electronically, and will be shared with key partners.

"Weaving the stories of Womens Lives" is the theme for National Women's History Month 2015.

The theme presents the opportunity to weave women's stories - individually and collectively - into the essential fabric of our nation's history.

Each year, the theme for Women's History Month is set by our sisters at the National Women's History Project. March 2015 marks the 35th Anniversary of the National Women's History Project.

It is also the 35th Anniversary of the Maryland Women's History Project which evolved into the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.

For national information, please visit: www.nwhp.org and www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org for Maryland updates and activities

The Maryland Women's Heritage Center is the home of the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame as well as other exhibits showcasing the contributions of Maryland Women. 

MWHC wants to expand its Unsung Heroine display to be more inclusive of  Maryland women from across the state who have "quietly" made Maryland a better place to live and prosper. 

Maryland students will also see role models of diverse women who may be Unsung Heroines in their family or community, but have made a significant difference.

To support the MWHC Unsung Heroine exhibit, please donate HERE

Please share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues.