Gateway Arch National Park Announces Special Programs Commemorating Women’s History Month
ST. LOUIS — Saturdays in March, Gateway Arch National Park hosts special programs that spotlight 18th-, 19th– and 20th-century women of Missouri and the West in honor of Women’s History Month. These family-based programs will take place in the Education Classroom located on the lower level of the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, and are free and open to all ages.
“The stories, struggles and successes of women have shaped our country’s past and will continue to shape our future,” says Erin Hilligoss-Volkmann, Director of Education for Gateway Arch National Park. “We welcome all to visit Gateway Arch National Park for our Women’s History Month programs and learn about female empowerment, 18th century women’s roles, the suffrage movement and more.”
Empowerment: Saturday, March 9; 1-3:30 p.m.
We all have heard of famous women who fought for civil rights or who made significant contributions to the history of our nation. But there are many women who made equally important contributions and are less well known. Lynne Jackson, president of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, will lead interactive activities that celebrate these exceptional women, past and present.
Women of Colonial-Era Communities: Saturday, March 16; 1-3:30 p.m.
Ste. Genevieve, a French-Creole settlement founded in the early 1700s, is an intriguing but not particularly well known part of Missouri history. Discover the various roles women and girls from different backgrounds and socioeconomic levels filled daily that were vital to their families and their community. This program is also offered on Friday, March 22, at the Center for French Colonial Life in Ste. Genevieve.
Cult of True Womanhood: Saturday, March 23; 1-3:30 p.m.
Thousands of women made the journey West, and while some lived their lives according to the social norms expected of them, others challenged them. Ranger Karen Stoeber explores the cultural norms of the mid-1800s as well as the “cult of true womanhood,” and highlights several women who stepped out of their expected roles in order to survive during this often tough and dangerous era.
Virginia Minor: Saturday, March 30; 1-3:30 p.m.
In 1874, the courageous St. Louis suffragist Virginia Minor took the Minor v. Happersett case to the U.S. Supreme Court, stating the 14th Amendment gave women the right to vote. Join Ranger Kathy Bommarito in learning about Virginia’s role in American history, and take part in hands-on activities unique to this time period.
Gateway Arch Visitor Reminders
The Tram Ride to the Top of the Arch sells out early and often. It is strongly encouraged to purchase your tram ride tickets in advance at www.gatewayarch.com/buytickets. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled tram time.
Visitors to the Arch must enter the monument at the new glass west entrance, which faces the Old Courthouse. The Arch legs are exits only. Entrance to the Arch Visitor Center and the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free.
Gateway Arch National Park does not have designated on-site visitor parking. A list of preferred parking locations near the park can be found at http://getaroundstl.com.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/jeff or www.gatewayarch.com, or call 877-982-1410.