“A lot of people say that women’s achievements are overlooked or forgotten. [HerStory] lets men and women know about the rich history of women that attributed to America’s culture,” said Joseph Patterson, president and artistic director at Key Arts Production, in a recent phone interview
Key Arts, brings the lives of notable women in history to life on March 18 at Elizabethtown College. HerStory is an interactive performance produced as part of the celebration of Women’s History Month. The 45-minute performance in Gibble Auditorium of Esbenshade Hall uses film, images and songs, to commend the work of American women pioneers from 3 to 4 p.m.
Soul-stirring film and videos offer the opportunity for the audience feel as they have been transported back to groundbreaking historical events such as the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Two female vocalists will sing inspiring songs and narrate throughout the performance to tell the stories of Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Abigail Adams and more.
A common misnomer about Women’s History Month is that it’s for women.”
“It’s not just a lecture. [The audience members] will hear and see these women in the performance,” Patterson said. “HerStory should give audience members an interesting look at remarkable women and their challenges and triumphs, as well.”
Monica Smith, director of diversity and inclusion at Elizabethtown College, organized the event to offer people additional opportunities to learn outside of formal education. While HerStory focuses on women in history, the event is a valuable experience for anyone to attend.
“A common misnomer about Women’s History Month is that it’s for women,” Smith said. “To know our nation’s history and appreciate all of our beings it important for everyone to know. It’s important to understand HerStory as a part of history.”
Smith said that HerStory is a powerful inspiration for all, especially during a time where women’s rights are being fought over.
“The nation is rising together, and women are coming together across all cultures, race and religion, to stand together on their common identity as women and demand respect,” Smith said. “The goal of HerStory is the give voice to women who helped civility in America and inspire those who are with us today.”
Sara Holsing, sophomore psychology major with a women and gender studies minor, is looking forward to Women’s History Month and the events on campus, such as HerStory.
She said she thinks Women’s History Month is critical for schools to start implementing alongside holidays like Thanksgiving or even Columbus Day.
“When I hear Women’s History Month, I think of all the contributions women have made to history and advancements that don’t get credit,” said Holsing. “It’s so important to celebrate women, give them appreciation, and actually value what we contribute to the world.”
The HerStory performance is open to the public, with a women’s history trivia night after the event. For more information, contact Dr. Monica Smith at smithm@etown.edu.
Ashley Reeb Bio:
Ashley Reeb is a business administration major in the class of 2018. She has experience in journalism since high school, having a role as news section editor for her school’s newspaper. And, since becoming a Blue Jay, she is the advertising manager for the College’s newspaper, The Etownian.