Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, U.S. Presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” (Source: http://womenshistorymonth.gov/about.html).
Every March, the UMKC Women’s Center publishes a list of events at UMKC and in Kansas City honoring Women’s History Month. Below are the events for March 2022:
All Month Long
Natalie Frank: Unbound
Organization: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Time: Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 4420 Warwick Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64111
Admission: Free
Natalie Frank: Unbound is the first survey exhibition of Brooklyn, New York-based artist Natalie Frank’s (American, born 1980) drawings inspired by some of the best-known and most controversial literary narratives. Spanning a decade of Frank’s feminist drawing practice, Unbound will present work from the artist’s four major drawing series, each of which is the result of Frank’s rigorous research. Learn more here: https://www.kemperart.org/exhibitions/natalie-frank-unbound.
All Month Long
Women’s History Month Displays: Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
Organization: UMKC University Libraries
Locations & Times:
- UMKC Health Sciences Library, 2411 Holmes Street, 2nd Floor; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- UMKC Miller Nichols Library, 800 East 51st Street; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Admission: Free; UMKC ID required to enter Health Sciences Library
Stop by both library locations to view this display of books and media promoting women and their accomplishments throughout history and up to today. For more information, contact Liz Johnson at johnsoneliz@umkc.edu or visit https://libguides.library.umkc.edu/bookdisplays/womenshistorymonth2022.
Co-sponsored by UMKC Women’s Center.
All Month Long
Women Artists Featured in Temporary Exhibitions
Organization: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Time: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Admission: Free
Visit our temporary exhibitions to see the work of women artists, including Hong Chun Zhang and Charlotte Street Foundation Fellows glyneisha, Cory Imig, and Kathy Liao. Learn more here: www.nermanmuseum.org.
All Month Long
Debut
Organization: Spencer Museum of Art
Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Spencer Museum of Art, The University of Kansas, 1301 Mississippi St., Lawrence, KS 66045-7500
Admission: Free
Visit our current exhibition, Debut, to view a section entitled Portraits of Womanhood. Learn more here: https://www.spencerart.ku.edu/exhibition/debut.
All Month Long
Women in STEM Free Coloring Book
Organization: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Time: Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Admission: $8 general admission; Free for UMKC students, faculty, and staff with valid ID; https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/visit/tickets/
All museum visitors will receive a free coloring book highlighting women in STEM who changed our world. Learn more here: https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/.
All Month Long
Mother and Child Figures
Organization: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Time: Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Admission: $8 general admission; Free for UMKC students, faculty, and staff with valid ID; https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/visit/tickets/
Check out the case in our miniature galleries, featuring a diverse group of mother and child figures. Learn more here: https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/.
All Month Long
Toys from the Attic Exhibit: Bye-Lo Baby Dolls
Organization: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Time: Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Admission: $8 general admission; Free for UMKC students, faculty, and staff with valid ID; https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/visit/tickets/
Check out the Bye-Lo Baby Dolls case in our Toys from the Attic Exhibit, telling the story of Grace Storey Putnam, the doll’s designer. Learn more here: https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/.
All Month Long
MUJER – A reflection of stories
Organization: Mattie Rhodes Center
Time: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 5pm
Location: Mattie Rhodes Center, 1701 Jarboe St., Kansas City, MO 64108-1179
Admission: Free
Mujer centers and celebrates Women’s History Month and takes place through the month of March. This exhibit focuses on commemorating and honoring all mujeres. All women. Mujeres as artists, writers, poets, and icons. Mujer celebrates women as memories, knowledge, love, warmth and narratives. Mujer recognizes women as caregivers, leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The narrative of the mujer is complex, driven, and strong. It empowers and honors women of the past, present and future. Learn more here: https://www.mattierhodes.org/cultural-arts/.
Every Friday of March
Drop-Ins Welcome: Request Art on Paper
Organization: Spencer Museum of Art
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Spencer Museum of Art, The University of Kansas, 1301 Mississippi St., Lawrence, KS 66045-7500
Admission: Free
Every Friday, visitors may drop in without an appointment to request works of art on paper that are not currently on view. With more than 25,000 works on paper in our collection, Women’s History may be explored through many dimensions and in ways that are guided specifically by visitor interests. Our curatorial staff is on hand to chat about visitor interests, questions, and to pull related works of art for immediate viewing. Learn more here: https://www.spencerart.ku.edu/.
Thursday, March 3
United WE Vote Virtual Panel
Organization: United WE
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Admission: Free; Register here to access the Zoom link: https://formstack.io/54259
Learn how voting can be used as a civic engagement tool. This event features Gabrielle Wyatt (Founder of The Highland Project), Juan Ramino Sarmiento (Media Manager of Young Invincibles), and Deb Walsh (Rutgers). There will also be special remarks from Kansas City Mayor, Quinton Lucas and Fort Worth Mayor, Mattie Parker. Learn more here: https://united-we.org/whm-events-2022.
Friday, March 4
Celebration: MUJER – A reflection of stories
Organization: Mattie Rhodes Center
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Mattie Rhodes Center, 1701 Jarboe St., Kansas City, MO 64108-1179
Admission: Free
Celebrate Women’s History Month by viewing the very first exhibit in our brand new Culture Center! Art. Vendors. Food. Music…Y MAS! Mujer centers and celebrates Women’s History Month and takes place through the month of March. This exhibit focuses on commemorating and honoring all mujeres. All women. Mujeres as artists, writers, poets, and icons. Mujer celebrates women as memories, knowledge, love, warmth and narratives. Mujer recognizes women as caregivers, leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The narrative of the mujer is complex, driven, and strong. It empowers and honors women of the past, present and future. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1003537927248524/?ref=newsfeed.
Saturday, March 5
Ready to Represent: Women’s Leadership Training Program
Organization: United WE
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Admission: Free; Register here to access the Zoom link: https://deptsec.ku.edu/~clasforms/forms/form/38
Do you want to get more involved in your community, run for political office or serve on a civic board? Join the Appointments Project and Ready to Run Kansas for our women’s leadership training program. Learn more here: https://united-we.org/whm-events-2022.
Monday, March 7
Women’s History Month Trivia Table
Organization: UMKC Women’s Center
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Miller Nichols Learning Center Lobby, 800 E 51st St.
Admission: Free
Join us for trivia about Women’s History Month and this year’s national theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” a tribute to women caregivers, frontline workers, and healers of today and in history. Prizes will be awarded to trivia contest winners. Learn more here: https://info.umkc.edu/womenc/.
Co-sponsored by the UMKC branch of the American Medical Women’s Association, UMKC Collegiate Panhellenic Council, and UMKC Student Veteran Support Services.
Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 11
Women’s History Month Social Media Trivia
Organization: UMKC Women’s Center
Location: Facebook: @umkcwomenc, Twitter: @UMKC_Womenc, Instagram: @umkcwomenc
Admission: Free
Answer a daily trivia question on social media about Women’s History Month and this year’s national theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” a tribute to women caregivers, frontline workers, and healers of today and in history. Prizes will be awarded to trivia contest winners. Learn more here: https://info.umkc.edu/womenc/.
Co-sponsored by the UMKC branch of the American Medical Women’s Association, UMKC Collegiate Panhellenic Council, and UMKC Student Veteran Support Services.
Tuesday, March 8
International Women’s Day Cycle Sweat
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Old Swinney, 5030 Holmes St.
Join Campus Recreation and the Women’s Center to celebrate International Women’s Day! This cycling class will leave you inspired to show the world just how incredible you are! Participants will also receive some inspirational giveaways. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Campus Recreation for more details, 816-235-1772.
Co-sponsored by UMKC Campus Recreation.
Thursday, March 10
Franklin D. Murphy Lecture Series – Intersections of Identity: Expression, Exchange, and Hybridity
Blue Like Me: The Art of Siona Benjamin
Organization: Art History Graduate Student DEAI Committee
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: YouTube Livestream, youtube.com/c/KUArtHistory
Admission: Free
What constitutes identity and how do people navigate, form, and reform their sense of self? How can the study of art and its history help us to consider the diverse identities expressed by visual culture and its creators? NYC based artist, speaker, and educator explores these questions and more. This series seeks to amplify the voices of scholars and artists whose work explores individual and collective identities as those intersect with notions of the body, dis/ability, gender, heritage, and race. Learn more here: https://spencerart.ku.edu/calendar/category/5/talk.
Sponsored by Spencer Museum of Art, Kress Foundation Department of Art History, Graduate History of Art Student DEAI Committee, and Department of Visual Art.
Sunday, March 13
Celebrating Women: Chef Dinner
Organization: Waldo Thai
Time: Evening
Location: Waldo Thai, 8431 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114
Admission: $200; Register here: https://www.waldothai.com/blog/womenchefdinner2022
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are happy to announce a dinner at Waldo Thai on Sunday, March 13 featuring food and beverage by some of the best names in town. Your 5 course meal will begin with an amuse bouche and includes cocktails and wine pairings for $200 per ticket. We are proud to be donating to Hope House KC. The dinner will be collaboration of chefs who have positively impacted our local industry through their work ethic, advocacy for women, and of course, their delicious food.
Monday, March 14 – Monday, March 21
Menstrual Products Drive
Organization: UMKC Honors Program
Locations & Times:
- UMKC Women’s Center, 5120 Rockhill Road, 105 Haag Hall; Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Miller Nichols Library, 800 E 51st St.; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- UMKC Honors Building, 5030 Cherry St.; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- UMKC Student Union, 5100 Cherry St., 3rd Floor Welcome Desk; 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- UMKC Atterbury Student Success Center, 5000 Holmes St., Outside of Dining Hall; 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
UMKC Honors Program is partnering up with the Kangaroo Pantry to host monthly donation drives. Stop by one of these campus locations to donate menstrual products!
Co-sponsored by Kangaroo Pantry and UMKC Women’s Center.
Friday, March 18 – Friday, April 29
Her Art/Their Art – Art Exhibition
Organization: UMKC Women’s Center
Time: Tues – Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Closed Mondays and Sundays.
Location: InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St, Overland Park, KS 66204
Admission: Free
Join us at this art exhibit that features local women and gender non-conforming artists whose works are expressions of identity and gender empowerment. The exhibit will also include a “Hall of Portraits” featuring courageous historical figures inspired by the song “Women Who Walked on Water” by local singer songwriter Joy Zimmerman. To view the exhibit in person, please schedule an appointment by contacting info@interurbanarthouse.org. Covid-19 safety protocols will be in place and must be strictly followed. Learn more here: https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/.
Co-sponsored by InterUrban ArtHouse.
Friday, March 18
Opening Reception: Her Art/Their Art
Organization: UMKC Women’s Center
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St, Overland Park, KS 66204
Admission: Free
Join us for the first viewing of the Her Art/Their Art exhibit and meet the artists and curators. Enjoy live entertainment and light refreshments. All guests will be required to wear masks when not actively eating or drinking inside the gallery. This event is free and open to all. Learn more here: https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/.
Co-sponsored by InterUrban ArtHouse.
Tuesday, March 22
Celebrating Female Veterans
Organization: Student Veteran Support Services
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: At Ease Zone, Student Union, Room 310, 5100 Cherry St.
Admission: Free
Join us for free food and games at the At Ease Zone while supplies last, celebrating the bravery and dedication of women veterans!
Co-sponsored by UMKC Student Veterans Organization.
Thursday, March 24
Visiting Artist Program
Organization: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Hudson Auditorium, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Room 217, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Admission: Free
Join us to hear from two local women artists, Michelle Dreher and Sydney Pener. Learn more here: www.nermanmuseum.org.
Thursday, March 24
Women Who Walked on Water Benefit Concert
Organization: UMKC Women’s Center
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St, Overland Park, KS 66204
Admission: $25 general admission; $10 for students with valid ID
Singer/songwriter Joy Zimmerman will share music & stories of courageous women, highlighting the work of artists in the Her Art/Their Art exhibit. Joy will be joined by cellist Christine Broxterman. All proceeds benefit Together Women Rise (togetherwomenrise.org) with its focus on gender equality, community building, and empowerment in low-income countries. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/her-arttheir-art-women-who-walked-on-water-concert-tickets-215329495317. Ticket price includes light refreshments. Joy Zimmerman, https://joyzimmermanmusic.com/, a folk & acoustic roots multi-instrumentalist, sings her original songs of humor, triumph and resilience with a captivating voice. The Canvas Before Us, Joy’s seventh studio album, debuted at #8 on the FAI Folk Chart in August 2021.
Co-sponsored by InterUrban ArtHouse.
