Our Past Heritage Happenings

Women in ABC (WABC) Wine and Cheese Tasting & Silent Auction
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Maryland Women's Heritage Center, Baltimore

The Women in ABC (WABC), a committee of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Baltimore Chapter, held a special invitation-only event at the Maryland Women's Heritage Center to raise money for an inaugural Scholarship Program. Young women will be asked to research and construct a display about women who have made a significant contribution to the construction industry in Maryland and the most outstanding submissions are intended to become a part of the permanent collection at the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center. A scholarship will also be awarded to the winner’s choice of college.

Women of Tomorrow
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Miller Office Building, Annapolis

This special event, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Human Resources, Maryland Commission for Women, Maryland State Department of Education, and the friends of the Maryland Commission for Women, and supported by the Maryland Women's Heritage, honored girls who are outstanding students and members of their communities and who have a strong vision for the future.

Honorees included First Place Winner for Grades 7-8 Emily Brooke Zimmerman (Walkersville Middle School, Frederick County) and Honorable Mention Madeline L. Henwood (Northern Middle School, Calvert County), First Place Winner for Grades 9-10 Asmi Panigrahi (Atholton High School, Howard County) and Honorable Mention Josephine Ann Grant (Francis Scott Key High School, Carroll County), First Place Winner for Grades 11-12 Allegra Hawkins (Easton High School, Talbot County) and Honorable Mentions Thuy-Vy Duong (Rockville High School, Montgomery County) and Bianca C. Datta (Thomas S. Wootton High School, Montgomery County).

Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Rash Field, Baltimore

The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center’s was a proud sponsor of the 35th anniversary of this female-only race in Baltimore and the second oldest women-only race in the U.S.! The Baltimore Women's Classic 5K provides vital fundraising support to women undergoing gynecologic cancer treatments. Volunteers from the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center staffed a waterstop during the race. The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center also had a display table set-up in the Festival Village and provided fliers and other information about the Center.

Maryland Women's Heritage Center Grand Public Opening
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Maryland Women's Heritage Center, Baltimore

The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center’s initial site at 39 West Lexington Street in Baltimore opened to the general public with a special celebration. Historic portrayers also depicted renowned Maryland women. The Center’s hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Women's History Symposium
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, Baltimore

The Maryland Women's Heritage Center and Maryland NOW presented a Women's History Symposium discussing the following questions:  "Where were the women?" and "How might history be different if women’s contributions were recognized?” Attendees listened to several speakers focusing on anything and everything revolving women in history, including women’s suffrage, how women’s roles have changed throughout history and the role feminism plays in today’s culture.

Annual Women Spanning the Globe
Thursday, June 3, 2010
American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore

The Maryland Women's Heritage Center was a cooperating partner of this women-only annual event hosted by The World Trade Center Institute. This year’s theme was “The Power of Purpose: Successful Women in International Roles.”

Maryland Women's Heritage Center Opening Celebration
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Maryland Women's Heritage Center, Baltimore

A special invitation-only opening celebration took place at the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. More than 200 guests attended to get a first glimpse of the Center.

(Photos: Steve Orr)

Maryland Women’s Heritage Center Painting Party
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Maryland Women's Heritage Center, Baltimore

Volunteers participated in a Painting Party to gear up for the opening of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. Special thanks to Sherwin Williams, Lorena and Dave Streb with CertaPro Painters, Linda Johnson Photography, and Ledo Pizza in Federal Hill.

(Photos: Linda Johnson Photography)

Congressional Women's History Month Celebration
Thursday, March 25, 2010
U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, this special event celebrated Women's History Month and honored Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Representatives from the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center were in attendance.
 

Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo
Saturday, March 20, 2010, and Sunday, March 21, 2010
Hilton Pikesville

Visitors attended workshops and classes held by the best in the natural hair industry and learned about how to "transition from chemical to natural." Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their work; attendees networked with instructors, manufacturers and professionals. A variety of healthy foods including selections from a vegan menu were served, and enjoyed by all.

Maryland Women's Hall of Fame Ceremony
Thursday, March 18, 2010
President's Conference Room East I and II, Miller Senate Office Building II, Bladen Street, Annapolis

Established by the Maryland Commission for Women and the Women Legislators of Maryland, this annual event honored the 2010 inductees of the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. The Maryland Women's Hall of Fame celebrates Maryland women who have made unique and lasting contributions to the economic, political, cultural and social life of the state, and provides visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s female leaders. The Maryland Women's Hall of Fame will be housed at the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.

Women: Back to the Future
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Gathering Place, 6120 Daylong Lane, Clarksville

The Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC) hosted this special luncheon featuring a performance of "Women: Back to the Future" by Kate Campbell Stevenson in support of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.

Ninth Annual ATHENA Award Women's Leadership Breakfast
Friday, March 12, 2010
Richlin Ballroom at Harford Community College, 1700 Van Bibber Road, Edgewood

The Maryland Women's Heritage Center was a partner for this special event, which honored Lucie Snodgrass from the Office of Senator Barbara A. Mikulski as a Harford County woman who has attained and personifies the highest level of professional excellence in her business or profession, has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way and, most especially, has opened doors for leadership opportunities for women. 
 

“Girl Power. Reach for the Sky: Career Opportunities for the Women of Tomorrow”
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Kosiakoff Center, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel

Supported by the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, this conference encouraged and promoted career opportunities for young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Attendees had the opportunity to talk with professional women about STEM careers.

STEMming Out to Change the World: The 4th Annual Women's Leadership Forum
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Mercy High School, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Auditorium, 1300 E. Northern Parkway, Baltimore

Hosted by the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, this event provided an opportunity for girls and women to talk with professionals in the fields of science and technology, including Judy Carroll, P.E., President of Carroll Engineering; Diana Parsons, CFO of Constantine Commercial Construction; Laura Thul Penza, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of Penza-Bailey Architects; and Joyce Ulrich, Managing Director of Legg-Mason. The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center was a sponsor of this event.

Celebrate Women's History
Friday, March 5, 2010
National Aquarium in Baltimore, Baltimore

The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center participated in the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s celebration of Women's History Month. A variety of activities took place from a Rachel Carson exhibit to dance performances and storytelling.

Women's History Comes in Many Colors
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wheaton Library, Wheaton, MD

The Montgomery County Chapter of the National Organization for Women hosted this panel discussion in honor of Women's History Month, which featured Jill Moss Greenberg, Executive Director of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. Other panelists included Lillian Cruz, Office of Congressman Van Hollen; Lily Qi, Montgomery County's Asian  and Middle Eastern American Liaison and Coordinator of Montgomery County's Language Access; Derrice Deans, Montgomery County's Caribbean American Liaison; and Nesreen Khashan, Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia Region.

University of Maryland Women’s Basketball Game
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Comcast Center, University of Maryland, College Park

Debbie A. Yow, Director of Athletics at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Board Member of the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, hosted a group of board members and volunteers of the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center as the Lady Terps took on Clemson University’s Lady Tigers.

Women's Legislative Briefing
Sunday, January 31, 2010
University of Maryland, Shady Grove Campus, Rockville

The Montgomery County Commission for Women held the 30th Annual Women's Legislative Briefing co-sponsored by the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. This day-long event  featured a distinguished group of experts, as well as County and State elected officials, discussing important legislative initiatives affecting women and families. Lilly Ledbetter was the keynote speaker and conveyed the hardships that she endured while she was discriminated against by her employer for over 10 years of service due to her being a woman, which led to the passing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. 

Empowering Women in this Economy
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Prince George's Community College, Largo Student Center, 301 Largo Road, Largo

The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center supported this symposium organized by the Maryland Commission for Women. The event, which was kicked off with opening remarks from U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski and Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, invited women to learn how to make critical decisions about finances, employment and their futures.

“Between the Covers" Book Signings
Friday, December 4, 2009
Baltimore Coffee & Tea, 9 W. Aylesbury Rd., Timonium

Saturday, December 5, 2009
Baltimore Coffee & Tea, 890 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis
 
The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center supported book signings of “Between the Covers: The Book Babes’ Guide to a Woman’s Reading Pleasure” with Margo Hammond, an award winning journalist and book critic, which was co-authored by Ellen Helzel. 

Little Black Dress Club Holiday Party
Friday, December 4, 2009
Burkshire Marriott, 10 West Burke Avenue, Towson

Hosted by the Little Black Dress Club and supported by the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, this special holiday party gave women the chance to network with each other while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a prize raffle.

An Evening with Malalai Joya
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Junior League of Baltimore
 
The Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, a partner of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center, held a reception with the Junior League of Baltimore for author Malalai Joya, known as the bravest woman in Afghanistan. Joya spoke about her new political memoir, A Woman Among Warlords: The Extraordinary Story of an Afghan Who Dared to Raise Her Voice, which chronicles her journey of dissidence and the political landscape of Afghanistan.

When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Friendship Heights Village Center, Chevy Chase, MD
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center participated in a book signing with New York Times Editorial Editor Gail Collins in conjunction with her new book, When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from1960-Present. Collins' book follows women's progress during the past five decades and includes interviews with women from a variety of backgrounds.  

Girls Gone Great Celebration Luncheon
Sunday, August 16, 2009  
Pappas Restaurant, Parkville, MD
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center joined WomanTalk Live, a supporter of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center, in recognizing Chen Sheng, a junior at Franklin High School in Reisterstown, MD, as the 2009 Girls Gone Great essay contest winner at a special luncheon. WomanTalk Live's Girls Gone Great essay contest gives Maryland girls the opportunity to write about their great ideas and contributions to make the world a better place, as well as visions for the future. Read Chen Sheng's winning essay. 

Spirited Women of Baltimore Awards 
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Morton's The Steakhouse, Baltimore 

 More than 100 Baltimore businesspeople attended the "Spirited Women of Baltimore" Power Lunch hosted by Morton's The Steakhouse, MyCity4Her.com™ and The Women's Wine and Dine®. The Maryland Women's Heritage Center was a supporter for this year's event, which raised money for the American Red Cross of Central Maryland. This annual event honors three Spirited Women of Baltimore, in various walks of life, based on their career and personal successes. The 2009 winners were Teresa Hall, Spirited Woman Rising; Sharon Perfetti, Spirited Woman in Balance; and Bunny Kohn, Spirited Woman of 2009.

 

Maryland Women Spanning the Globe
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center was a cooperating partner of this women-only annual event hosted by The World Trade Center Institute and Jhpiego, an international health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. Topics included Women & Families around the World, Successful Women Entrepreneurs - Here and Abroad, Women and the Muslim World - 1.3 Billion Consumers, Creating & Marketing Value in Today's Economy, Women and Board Leadership, Mentors & Mentees' Learning, 60 Minutes - Int'l Business Headlines Panel, and more.  Guests were also able to make connections with other fun, fearless females and hear the success stories of high profile women in leadership positions. (Photos courtesy of the World Trade Center Institute.)

Diversity Days 
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 
Social Security Administration Building, Baltimore

Maryland Women's Heritage Center Executive Board Member Linda Shevitz participated in a panel presentation as part of a program to celebrate the ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the Maryland Social Security Administration staff and state agencies. 

She Matters Girls' Empowerment Conference & Expo
Saturday, May 16, 2009
New Town High School, Owings Mills, MD
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center participated in this second annual event, which attracted more than 700 girls varying in age from 9 - 17. Photos below show participants playing an interactive trivial pursuit style Maryland Women's Herstory game, created by Ellie Elgin, who conducts outreach for the Maryland Commission for Women and the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.

YWCA Leader Lunch
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel, Baltimore
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center co-sponsored this annual event recognizing women leaders whose vision, energy, and talent combine to create vibrant workplaces and sustain our community. The 2009 honorees were Luwanda Jenkins, Special Secretary, Governor's Office of Minority Affairs; Bonnie Stein, Executive Vice President, PNC Wealth Management; Kathleen Hyle, COO, Constellation Energy Resources; Linda Norman, General Manager, Hilton Baltimore; P.J. Mitchell, Vice President, Global Sales and Operations, IBM; Liz Rhode, Co-Owner and Co-Founder, Maryland Athletic Club and Wellness Center (MAC); Paula R. Singer, President and CEO, Laureate Education, Inc.; Sharon Kroupa, Partner, Venable LLP; Bonnie Phipps, President and CEO, St. Agnes Healthcare; Hathaway Ferebee, Executive Director, Safe and Sound; Loleta Robinson, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder, Syan Bioscience; and Monique Dixon, Director, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Program, Open Society Institute-Baltimore. 

Women of Tomorrow Awards
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Miller Senate Office Building, Annapolis
 
This special event, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Human Resources, Maryland Commission for Women, Maryland State Department of Education, and the friends of the Maryland Commission for Women, and supported by the Maryland Women's Heritage, honored girls who are outstanding students and members of their communities and who have a strong vision for the future. Honorees included Jasmine Adams (Calvert County, Northern High School, 12th grade), D'ymond Shantyl Dantzler (Baltimore County, Randallstown High School, 9th grade), and Kiauna Nickole Freeman (Charles County, Matthew Henson Middle School, 8th grade). Honorable mentions were Valerie Caplan (Baltimore County, Carver Center for Arts & Technology, 12th grade), Kelly Ann Marx (Worcester County, Stephen Decatur High School, 9th grade), and Natalie Brosh (Harford County, Patterson Mill Middle School, 7th grade).

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Distinguished Awards Reception
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Baltimore Country Club, Baltimore 
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center participated in this annual event that the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland hosts to honor prominent women in Maryland. This program gives select Girl Scouts the unique opportunity to observe and interact with dynamic women leaders in Maryland. Each honoree is shadowed and interviewed by a Girl Scout who then introduces the honoree at the awards reception. This year's honorees were Sharon Pinder, President and CEO of The Pinder Group, LLC, and Executive Board Member of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center, as well as Jenny Trostel, Vice President of Anderson of Hunt Valley, Laura B. Black, Entrepreneur & Community Leader, Carmen Oritz Larsen, CEO & Founder of AQUAS, Inc., and Paula R. Singer, President & CEO of Laureate Online Education.

We Are Our Mothers' Daughters
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Morton's The Steakhouse, Baltimore
 
Cokie Roberts, an acclaimed author and political commentator, as well as member of the Maryland Women's Heritage Center Honorary Board, joined the Maryland Women's Heritage Center for a special fundraising luncheon to honor the release of her new book, "We Are Our Mothers' Daughters: Revised and Expanded Edition." Proceeds from the lunch benefited the Maryland Women's Heritage Center. The event also celebrated Maryland mothers and daughters who set examples for the future. Honorees included Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Council President, and her mother Dr. Nina Rawlings, a retired pediatrician; Betty Buck, President of Buck Distributing Co., Inc., and her daughters Kelly Ingbretson and Erin Fitzgerald; Shoshana S. Cardin, Former Chair of the Maryland Commission for Women, and her daughters Nina Beth Cardin and Ilene Vogelstein; Lucille Clifton, Former Poet Laureate of Maryland, and her daughters Gillian Clifton-Monell and Alexia Clifton; Sherrie Krauser, Judge, Circuit Court for Prince George's County, and her mother Bess B. Lavine, Retired Judge, District Court of Maryland; and Joyce J. Scott, Internationally Renowned Artist, and her mother, Elizabeth Talford Scott, a Celebrated Fiber Artist. 

Women Making History Together: Women's History Tour of Annapolis
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sites included the Annapolis Maritime Museum, Levy Center at the U.S. Naval Academy, Banneker Douglas Museum, Catherine Green House, and St. Clair Wright Center.

The Maryland Women's Heritage Center in partnership with the Mayor's Office of the City of Annapolis hosted the first women's history trolley tour of Annapolis to explore the innovative and exciting women of Maryland's past and women making history together today. Mayor Ellen Moyer, the first female mayor of Annapolis, welcomed guests at City Hall. Throughout the day, participants travel to important Annapolis sites showcasing the rich contributions and accomplishments of remarkable Maryland women. Participants also enjoyed a gourmet lunch at the Treaty of Paris restaurant. Some of th sites visited were the Annapolis Maritime Museum, Levy Center at the U.S. Naval Academy, Banneker Douglas Museum, Catherine Green House, and St. Clair Wright Center. 

Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet Reception
Monday, March 16, 2009
Rachel Carson House, Silver Spring, MD

This special invitation-only celebration hosted by the Rachel Carson Council honored Rachel Carson and other Maryland women who have received national and state recognition for their contributions related to the 2009 Women's History Month theme, "Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet." The state and national recognition programs are being coordinated by the National Women's History Project and the Maryland Women's Heritage Center to honor women who have exhibited outstanding leadership in protecting and preserving our environment. To celebrate the honorees' contributions, the reception included a performance about Rachel Carson by noted women's history dramatist, Kate Campbell Stevenson, an informal tour of Rachel Carson's home, and a tribute by local students. A Protecting the Environment Pledge was also distributed to all participants. The historic home is the site where Rachel Carson wrote her revolutionary book, "Silent Spring," which launched the contemporary environmental movement in the United States.

Women: Back to the Future
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Mar-Va Theater, Pocomoke City, MD
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center presented a theatrical program starring Kate Campbell Stevenson, which brought to life women from history including Sacagawea, Native American guide and interpreter; Bessie Coleman, First African American female pilot; Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and humanitarian; and Rachel Carson, marine biologist and mother of the modern environmental movement. Kate Campbell Stevenson has performed her original one-woman Women's History productions throughout the United States. Proceeds were donated to the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.
 
Thanks to our sponsors:
Luann Leonard, CAbi consultant
Toni Julian, Upper Deck Restaurant
Kathi Trumble, Infinity Copy & Print Shop
Debi Rus, Rus Graphic Design 

 

Maryland Women's Hall of Fame
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Miller Senate Office Building, Annapolis
 
Established by the Maryland Commission for Women and the Women Legislators of Maryland, this annual event honors Maryland women who have made unique and lasting contributions to the economic, political, cultural and social life of the state, and provides visible models of achievement for tomorrow's female leaders. The Maryland Women's Hall of Fame will be housed in the Maryland Women's Heritage Center.
 
The 2009 honorees were:
Ilia J. Fehrer, Environmentalist/Activist, Worcester County
Diane E. Griffin, M.D., Ph.D., Medicine/Science, Baltimore County
Harriet C. Legum, Educator/Humanitarian, Baltimore City
Brigadier General Allyson R. Solomon, Armed Forces, Prince George's County
St. Clair Wright, Preservationist, Anne Arundel County

Women's Leadership Forum
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center co-sponsored the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland's third Women's Leadership Forum highlighting Maryland women artists who are leaders in their respective fields. Panelists included Toby Orenstein, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts and Toby's Dinner Theatre; Rebecca Hoffberger, American Visionary Art Museum; and Elizabeth Cockey, painter. The panel was facilitated by Maryland Women's Heritage Center board member Carmen Delgado Votaw. Girls attending the panel presentation had the opportunity to interact personally with each of the panelists.

Women's Art: Women's Vision
Sunday, March 8 - Sunday, April 5, 2009, with a Reception on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 
World Trade Center, Baltimore 
 
The Maryland Women's Heritage Center highlighted more than 20 Maryland women artists with an art exhibition in celebration of Women's History Month. Artists exhibiting were Barbara Curran, Mary Carol Curran, Rosetta DeBerardinis, Janet Freedman, Stephanie Goldberg, Loretto Gubernatis, Chrissy Gubernatis, Stephanie Hopkins, Jessica McKelvin, Sherah Rosen, Kenlynn Schroeder, and Sydnei SmithJordan of Baltimore; Eliner Tryon Elgin of Bel Air, MD.; Wilhelmina Burress and Karen Burress of Bowie, MD.; Denee Barr, Joan Lok, and Eileen Williams of Columbia, MD.; Diane Wieder of Ellicott City, MD.; Meredith Snow of Germantown, MD.; Sandra Magsamen of Glen Arm, MD.; Ev Marinucci of Laurel, MD.; and Barbara Johnson of Pasadena, MD. The exhibition also included art by young women from the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland.