Molly Murphy MacGregor facts for kids

Molly Murphy MacGregor is a very important person in making sure we remember women's history. She helped start the National Women's History Project. This group is now called the National Women's History Alliance. Thanks to her work, we celebrate Women's History Month every year in March. It's a special time to learn about amazing women.

Starting the National Women's History Project

Molly MacGregor and other leaders began celebrating women's history in 1978. They organized a week-long event in Sonoma County. In 1980, MacGregor helped create the National Women's History Project (NWHP). She worked with other women, like Mary Ruthsdotter. Their goal was to share women's history across the United States.

Making Women's History Month Official

The NWHP has held many events and projects over the years. They worked hard to get Congress to officially recognize Women's History Month. In 1987, Congress passed a special resolution. This made March the official month to celebrate women's history.

Bringing History to Schools

The NWHP also worked to include women's history in schools. They wanted students from kindergarten to high school to learn about it. MacGregor said that the success of Women's History Month was surprising. She noted how much it affected communities and even the government. She also saw how much students and teachers were interested in learning more. The National Park Service has also done a lot to promote the history of the women's rights movement.

Speaking About Women's History

Molly MacGregor often gives talks about her work. In 2005, she spoke at an event celebrating the 85th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. This amendment gave women the right to vote. The event was held at the National Constitution Center.

Leading the National Women's History Alliance

Molly MacGregor is the Executive Director of the organization. It is now known as the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA). This group is the only national place that helps coordinate projects. They also connect speakers and create learning materials about women's history.

Celebrating Visionary Women

The NWHA regularly holds events to promote women's history. They also publish a list of honored women each year. For example, their theme for 2019 was "Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence." Leasa Graves works closely with MacGregor as the Assistant Director.

Honoring Suffragists in California

The organization is working on a big project in California. They are celebrating 100 years since the 19th Amendment was passed. This project includes finding and honoring suffragists buried in California. Suffragists were women who fought for the right to vote. NWHA members visited Cypress Lawn Cemetery in San Bruno, California. They placed markers on the graves of Phoebe Hearst and Gertrude Atherton. These markers note their important work as suffragists.

Sharing Opinions on Women in Media

MacGregor often speaks to groups like the American Association of University Women. She talks about many topics related to women's history. She is also asked for her thoughts on how women are shown in movies and on TV. In 2009, she spoke about a movie about Amelia Earhart. MacGregor said that role models are very important. Knowing that someone else achieved something can be very powerful for girls.

Molly MacGregor's Background

Molly MacGregor used to be a teacher. She taught social studies, English, and women's history. While teaching U.S. history in high school, she became very interested in women's history. She wanted to teach others about it. She went to graduate school at Sonoma State University. She also taught women's history classes at Santa Rosa Junior College. She worked with a well-known women's historian named Gerda Lerner.