March 01, 2023
Women’s History Month commemorates trailblazing women who have made an impact in various fields and left a mark on American history. To celebrate the women of the past, present, and future, consider partaking in one of the eight events below.
11:25 a.m. | Virtual
In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Detroit Regional Chamber will host its fifth annual International Women’s Day lunch on Thursday, March 2. The event will feature an uplifting and empowering program that embodies the 2023 theme, #EmbraceEquity, and focuses on women forging change via technology and sustainability in communities, workplaces, and beyond. While registration is now closed to attend in person, a live webcast will be available, starting at 11:25 a.m.
7-8 p.m. | Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a dialogue between women’s suffrage leaders as they confront the right for women to vote. This program features the dolls created by Gladys McKenney, a Community Hall of Fame member at the Museum, presented by Michele Dunham and Ginger Ketelsen.
7-10 p.m. | Downtown Detroit
This Women’s History Month, celebrate life, love, laughter, and women with the Women of Comedy. Join this funny group of women comedians, and enjoy yourself in downtown Detroit for the night.
Noon to 1 p.m. | Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm
To highlight Women’s History Month, Lori Miller of the Oakland History Center will discuss the life and times of Eliza Seaman Leggett. Leggett was an American suffragist and abolitionist buried in Pontiac’s Oak Hill Cemetery. The abolition of slavery was one of Mrs. Leggett’s passions. She worked with noted abolitionists, including Sojourner Truth and Lucretia Mott, and her home served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
After Emancipation, Leggett focused on suffrage and assisting needy women. As part of that work, she co-founded the Young Woman’s Home Association in Detroit. She also had a great interest in literature and was a correspondent of such figures as William Cullen Bryant, Louisa May Alcott, and Bronson Alcott. The literary club she founded later became the Detroit Women’s Club. She was also active in civic affairs, such as making Belle Isle a public park. She was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2003 based on her achievements in abolition, suffrage, and women’s rights.
2-4 p.m. | Detroit Public Library
Join the Detroit Public Library in honoring Women’s History Month and discover the inspiring story of Mary Eliza Mahoney, America’s first Black nurse. Olivian DeSouza, retired nurse educator of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses, will deliver this powerful presentation. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the groundbreaking achievements and legacy of Mary Mahoney.
1-5 p.m. | Simply Social Event Space
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a unique and exciting shopping experience. Discover great local small businesses from Detroit, all in one place.
7 p.m. | Greater Detroit Community Outreach Center
In honor of Women’s History Month and partnership with The Preservation of Jazz, Precious Night Supper Club and Live Entertainment present a captivating show dedicated to the leading ladies in jazz, featuring musical performances by Sky Covington, Kymberli Wright, and Jiana Hunter.
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Henry Ford Museum
Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour during Women’s History Month to explore the boundary-breaking achievements of American women throughout history.
In March and throughout the year, discover how women entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, movement leaders, record setters, and trailblazers, through quiet and loud actions, have changed — and continue to change — American society.
Written by Megan Lasley
