Women’s History Month

Overview

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 2025

Women’s History Month is a dedicated time to reflect on and emphasize women’s often forgotten or overlooked contributions throughout American History.

Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to history and society, organized by a school district in Sonoma, California. A few years later, in 1980, as the idea caught on nationwide, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th National Women’s Week. Seven years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully lobbied Congress to expand from a week to a whole month!

Sid Jacobson JCC is proud to recognize the countless contributions and achievements of women who have shaped our community and world by sharing events and resources from our community.

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN EVENTS RESOURCES

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN FROM LONG ISLAND

Actress and Singer Diahnn Carroll was the first African American woman to headline a U.S. TV series. During this time, she was actively involved in the NAACP and used her influence to push for greater diversity and representation in media. In the 1960s, Carroll rented a cottage in Fire Island to call home and escape the spotlight.

Clara Driscoll led the glass-cutting department at Tiffany’s Queens factory in the late 1800s – early 1900s, where she helped Tiffany create the signature stained glass lamp.

Geneticist Barbara McClintock dedicated over 50 years to her work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Her groundbreaking work has been validated by modern techniques and led to McClintock being awarded the Nobel Prize in 1983 at age 81.

Ashanti Douglas is a singer and actor born in Glen Cove. She topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart with two 2002 hit songs, marking the first time a female artist achieved such a feat.

Frances Benjamin Johnston was the first woman to display photos at the Library of Congress in 1930. For over six decades she focused on Long Island’s estates including Willowmere, Burrwood, and Grey Gardens, showcasing her photography and photojournalist skills.

Sue Bird is a former WNBA star from Syosset, renowned as one of the league’s greatest players. She’s the only WNBA athlete to win titles in three decades and holds dual U.S. and Israeli citizenship.

Mariah Carey is a singer and songwriter from Huntington with a five-octave vocal range. She currently holds the record for the best-selling holiday song by a female artist.

Singer and Actress Lindsay Lohan from Merrick began as a Disney star in movies “The Parent Trap,” “Freaky Friday,” and “Mean Girls.” She later released two albums as a singer and songwriter.

EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HIGH TEA
THURSDAY, MARCH 20 • 7-8PM
Women of all ages and backgrounds together for an evening of culture, connection, celebration, and culinary delights! Bring a dessert reflecting your culture and create an unforgettable potluck experience.
Register

MOVIES WITH A MISSION: BECOMING
SUNDAY, MARCH 23 • 3PM
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are presenting a screening of Becoming. This documentary features former First Lady Michelle Obama, offering a glimpse into her life during the 2019 book tour for her memoir, “Becoming.”
Register

MOVIE CLUB: HIDDEN FIGURES (2016)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 • 7PM
Join Movie Club members for a screening of Hidden Figures. This film highlights the contributions of three brilliant women at NASA—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Their work was pivotal in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a milestone that restored the nation’s confidence and turned the tide in the Space Race.
Register