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St. Olaf events celebrate Women's History Month

By Sarah Meyer '08
March 2, 2008

The public celebration of women's history in the United States began just 30 years ago in 1978 as "Women's History Week" in Sonoma County, Calif. Then in 1987 Congress expanded the celebration and March was declared Women's History Month.

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To honor the 30th anniversary of women's history celebrations, St. Olaf College will be hosting events such as a book discussion on Nancy Drew and a look at the women stars of the "silver screen." These historical reflections will be accompanied by attention toward contemporary global women's issues and different forms of female expression.

"I hope that the Women's History Month events encourage women to see themselves within the context of women who came before and to celebrate their triumphs and better understand their constraints," says St. Olaf Professor of Women's Studies Judy Kutulas. "There's a wonderful diversity of speakers and events drawn from across the campus -- something for everyone, I hope -- and I am particularly proud of the events that involve students."

The events include:
  • Wednesday, March 5 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Buntrock Commons Room 144: St. Olaf Professor of Women's Studies Judy Kutulas will facilitate a discussion of the book Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak, as well as all things Nancy Drew. Attendees do not need to have read the book to join in considering Nancy Drew, her milieu, and the ways she inspires girls.
  • Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons Room 143: Amnesty International meeting focused on contemporary women's issues.
  • Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons' Viking Theater: Lecture by archivist and film scholar Jeanine Basinger on her book The Star Machine.
  • Sunday, March 9 at 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons Room 142: Students returning from off-campus programs will speak about their encounters with gender in other cultures. Kris MacPherson, a reference and instruction librarian at St. Olaf who is also an associate professor of Asian studies, will lead the discussion.
  • Friday, March 14 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Bunrock Commons Room 144: Another opportunity to talk about Nancy Drew and Girl Sleuth.
  • Monday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Buntrock Commons' Black Ballroom: A discussion about "Women Love Song Composers." Hannah Bolt '08 will share the findings of her Interim independent study project on female composers and love songs, past and present.
  • Friday, April 4 at 8 p.m. in the Gender and Sexuality Center (Thompson House): Women's Poetry Night will be held, with a special emphasis on Adrienne Rich, Cheryl Clarke and Ruth Schwartz. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work, as well as old or new favorites.

    • Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.