Celebrating the women of Illinois history
Lincoln Presidential Library devotes March 17 ‘Stories from the Stacks’ to the women who helped build Illinois

[March 06, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will open up its vast collections March 17 to highlight the amazing women, whether famous or anonymous, who helped build Illinois.

The free “Stories from the Stacks” event will explore early educational opportunities for Illinois women and details of the domestic life that many of them pursued. It covers the contributions of groups like the League of Women Voters and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Mine Workers of America. Fascinating women like labor activist Mother Jones and sculptor Vinnie Ream will get time in the spotlight.

The event takes place Tuesday, March, 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the Lincoln Presidential Library (112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield).

Reservations are required. They can be made by visiting www.presidentlincoln.gov  and clicking “Special Event Reservations” or by calling [phone].

“The story of hard-working Illinois women, known and lesser-known, is an inspiration to us as we plan for a brighter future for our children,” said Eileen Mackevich, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

“Stories from the Stacks” gives the public a peek into the library’s collections on Illinois history. Using documents, pictures and artifacts, library experts explore topics beyond Abraham Lincoln.

The presentation on women includes a look at institutions like the Monticello Female Seminary in Godfrey, the Bettie Stuart Institute in Springfield and the Ladies Education Society in Jacksonville, which was established in 1833 and is still active today.

The audience will hear about women who supported unions, fought for the right to vote, banded together to improve life for African Americans and served in World War I.

Domestic affairs and manners will also be featured, with catalogs published just prior to the Great Depression, greeting cards, books on manners and household remedies, and Springfield’s own Herndon’s Illustrated Journal of Fashion from 1873.

The Lincoln Presidential Library includes the Illinois State Historical Library, which has spent 125 years collecting artifacts and documents about Illinois heritage.

[Chris Wills, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum]