Our Women’s History Month celebration draws to a close as we highlight one final influential woman from history as chosen by you. Last but certainly not least is Frances Willard who was selected by Glen Madeja – a 44-year Evanston resident and the Executive Director of the Frances Willard Historical Association which manages the Frances Willard House Museum, Memorial Library, and Archives. Writes Mr. Madeja:
“Frances Willard was a visionary feminist, social justice advocate, and political activist in the late 19th century. She was able to mobilize women across the globe to work for women’s rights and human rights when women generally had no empowerment in the public sphere. The basis for our modern social welfare policies can be found in the initiatives fomented by Willard. Many things we commonly take for granted today such as women’s right to vote, childhood education, protection of women and children at home and work, stiffer penalties for sexual crimes against girls and women, traveler’s aid, police matrons, pure food and drug laws, legal aid, and passive demonstrations are based on the pioneering work of Willard and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.”
You can learn more below about Frances Willard, and make sure to mark your calendars for July 2016 when EPL hosts a special Frances Willard House photography exhibit. Stay tuned.