Molly Murphy MacGregor facts for kids

Molly Murphy MacGregor is a very important person in the world of women's history. She helped start the National Women's History Project, which is now called the National Women's History Alliance. Her hard work led to the creation of Women's History Month. This special month is celebrated every year in March. It helps everyone learn about the amazing things women have done throughout history.

Starting the National Women's History Project

In 1978, Molly Murphy MacGregor and other leaders organized a week-long event. This event celebrated women's history in Sonoma County, California. It was a big success!

Creating a National Movement

Because of this success, Molly MacGregor and others decided to do more. In 1980, she helped create the National Women's History Project (NWHP). Their goal was to teach people across the United States about women's history. One of the co-founders was Mary Ruthsdotter.

Over many years, the NWHP has held many events. They have also worked on many history projects. They wanted to make sure women's stories were not forgotten.

Making Women's History Month Official

A big achievement for the NWHP was getting Congress to agree. In 1987, Congress officially recognized Women's History Month. This means it is now celebrated every March across the country.

Many experts and historians have worked with the NWHP. One of them is Robert P. J. Cooney Jr. He often helps with NWHP projects. His work is even mentioned by the California Secretary of State.

Bringing History to Schools

The NWHP worked hard to include women's history in schools. They wanted kids from kindergarten to high school to learn about it. Molly MacGregor said that the support for Women's History Month was surprising. She noted its big effect on communities and government.

In 1999, Molly wrote an article called "Living the Legacy of the Women's Rights Movement." It was published in The Public Historian. In it, she wrote about how much students and teachers were interested in the NWHP's work. She also noted that the National Park Service has done a lot to share the history of the women's rights movement.

Molly MacGregor often gives talks about her work. In 2005, she spoke at a special event. It celebrated 85 years since the 19th Amendment was passed. 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 now the Executive Director of the organization. It is known as the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA). The NWHA is the main place that helps organize projects. They also connect speakers and create learning materials about women's history.

Promoting Women's History Today

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

The organization is also working on a big project in California. They are planning many events to celebrate 100 years of the 19th Amendment. This includes honoring suffragists who are buried in California. Suffragists were women who fought for the right to vote.

Recently, NWHA members visited Cypress Lawn Cemetery. They placed markers on the graves of Phoebe Hearst and Gertrude Atherton. These markers show their important work as suffragists.

Molly MacGregor often speaks to groups like the American Association of University Women. She talks about many topics related to women's history. People also ask for her thoughts on how women are shown in movies and on TV. In 2009, she was asked about a movie about Amelia Earhart. Molly said, "You cannot underestimate the power of a role model... female role models are extremely important."

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 even worked with a famous women's historian named Gerda Lerner.