Evanston History Center 

Ladies of the Dawes House: Portrait Stories

Friday, March 8  |  1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  |  Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. 
Join the Evanston History Center for an in-person presentation by Kathleen Alonso, Jane Driscool, and Joan Shurtliff. Ceelebrate International Women’s Day and learn the fascinating stories about the women whose portraits grace the walls of the interior of the National Historic Landmark Charles Gates Dawes House. From the Revolutionary War to the growth of Chicago, the Dawes family was marked by, and made its mark, on the events of the time. The painted likenesses of Charles and Caro Dawes’ female ancestors, from Mehitable Dawes (b. 1751) to Carolyn Dawes Ericson (b. 1892), only hint at the real women’s captivating life stories. Hear how the women serenely watching us from their portraits on the walls contributed to the world around them, leaving a legacy for those who came afterward. RSVP to attend. 

Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church

Sunday, March 10 |  3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  |  Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. 

Join co-author Christine Wolf for “Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church,” the first biography of the twentieth-century powerhouse couple who, with prescient and persistent methodologies and hearts, gave four decades of legislative service, and established much of Illinois’ dedicated political tradition. Spanning everything from the awkward dance of prohibition in Evanston to Marguerite Stitt Church’s involvement in the creation of the Peace Corps, with a particular focus on her remarkable legacy as a pioneer for women in government, this historical nonfiction is both a resource and a gripping delight. The League of Women Voters of Evanston will share voter information and insights into its work at the event. RSVP to attend. 

Evanston Public Library

March Scavenger Hunt: Women in STEM  

All through March  |  Main Library

The history of women’s contributions to the fields of STEM is long and varied, but it has also often been underrepresented. Join us in celebrating with our new scavenger hunt!

All through March  |  Main Library

A Guessing Jar celebrating Women's History Month. Guess how many stars we have in the jar! The closest 3 guesses win a prize.

Ruth E. Carter - Interweaving Tradition & Imagination Through Costume Design

Wednesday, March 20  |  7 p.m. to 8 p.m.  |  Virtual

Carter made history as the first Black woman to win the Costume Design category, winning an Academy Award for Black Panther. She received a second Academy Award for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Carter will be joined in virtual conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour.

YWCA Evanston/North Shore

YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Financial Wellness Program

Wednesday, March 20  |   Noon to 1 p.m.

Join the YWCA for a free 1-hour presentation and Open House event for women to learn ways to gain control over their financial situation, protect the people and things they love the most, and make informed financial decisions. This event will be conducted by Khadia Michel, CFP, CRPC. Michel is a Certified Financial Planner, Financial Advisor, and overall financial professional with the tools needed to help you build up your financial skillset! During this complimentary session, we’ll discuss the following four areas that can impact women’s financial lives and offer some strategies to help: addressing the gender income gap; planning for a longer lifespan; managing multiple roles and responsibilities at home, work, and in the community; approaching life changes and unexpected events.