It’s the first week of Women’s History Month, a month that celebrates and amplifies the important role women have played in American history.
Women’s history was initially celebrated with just one week. President Jimmy Carter deemed the week of March 8 “Women’s History Week” in 1980.
In 1987, legislation was passed to deem the whole month Women’s History Month, and each year since 1995, the president has issued an annual proclamation designating March as “Women’s History Month.”
A hallmark of the month is International Women’s Day – which is on Saturday, March 8. Many organizations around the city have their own programming and events specifically tailored to this day.
There are lots of ways you can celebrate in the city. We put together a guide.
Events and Activities
March 1-29: Women’s History Month at The National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is celebrating Women’s History Month with special programming this month on top of some of its year-round exhibits.
On Wednesday, March 11 from 5-8 p.m., you can show off your trivia skills at the “Remember the Ladies” Trivia Night. The event will have free food, a cash bar, a trivia contest, games and prizes. Attendees will also be able to explore exhibits and tours throughout the museum. You can register here.
On Saturday, March 14, Girl Scouts in the area are invited to the center to learn more about American government, women’s suffrage and voting. The special program will feature theatre shows, trivia games, workshops and more. The program is $20 for youth and $18 for adults. You can book here.
Beyond this, the museum has daily programming celebrating women. This includes “The Four Harriets of History” exhibit, which celebrates the lives of four American women, all named Harriet, who confronted slavery and shaped history. There is also a daily Self-Guided Women’s History Artifact Tour, and a weekend-only Votes for Women Crafts exhibition, where participants can make things like women’s suffrage buttons and banners.
The museum also has an exhibit called The 19th Amendment: How Women Won The Vote. This exhibit explores how women won the right to vote and how women used this to fight for equality, freedom and equal rights. These daily programs and exhibits are included in a general admission ticket, which you can book here.
Select dates, March 1-26: Women’s History Month at The Fallser Club
Head over to the East Falls concert venue this month to celebrate various women musicians, artists, comedians and filmmakers.
March 1-30: Women in Art Tours at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Head over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to explore contributions from female artists around the museum. The daily tour starts at 2 p.m. and is free with museum admission.
March 1-31: Women’s History Month at the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution is giving visitors daily and special programming to celebrate various historical women icons in the city.
You can attend a daily 10-minute talk at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to learn more about how women claimed ownership of the Declaration of Independence, or stop by a museum “Discovery Cart” to learn about Ona Judge, a woman who was enslaved by George Washington until her escape. These daily events are free with general admission.
The museum will also host a Women’s History Night on March 18 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This program is for attendees 21 and older and starts at 5:30 p.m. with a themed reception and after-hours access to museum exhibits. There will then be a film screening and discussion/book signing to follow. The docuseries premiering will feature stories from American women who paved their way as businesswomen, educators, religious leaders, and more. You can buy tickets here.
March 3-26: Women’s History Month at the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia branches will host a variety of programs for Women’s History Month – including musical performances, documentary screenings, discussions, and curated read-aloud programs. You can discover the various programs here.
Select dates, March 5-27: Women’s History Month at The Trestle Inn
Enjoy women DJ dance parties, featured cocktails, women’s theatre and more at the Trestle Inn this month. Every Friday will feature special Happy Hour dance parties celebrating women artists will female DJs. And weekly Thursday night dance parties will also showcase women DJs and Trestle Special “Go Go dancers.”
There will also be comedy and cabaret nights on March 12 and March 19 at 7 p.m. as part of the programming. Learn more about all the offerings here.
March 7-28: Women’s History Month at the Science History Institute
On every Saturday in March, the Science History Institute will have special programming honoring different women who have advanced science. This week’s event will feature a focus on chemist Stephanie Kwolek, who created Kevlar, a material used to create super suits. Each week will have a different focus, and there are also themed “drop-in” tours at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. (with this week’s focusing on women in chemistry). Admission to the museum is free and reservations are not required.
March 7-29: Women’s History Month at the Betsy Ross House
Head on over to select Saturdays and Sundays this March to learn more about women who have made historical contributions to the nation.
On Saturdays in March from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., come in for storytelling sessions – where you can learn about the contributions of women to our nation that history books may have missed.
Sundays are “History Maker Sundays.” These events, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., allow visitors to connect with women from history – including businesswomen, abolitionists and advocates. Betsy Ross herself will be there too – and she can tell you all about her experience as a single mother and entrepreneur.
Finally, the museum will host a special “Meet the Women of the Betsy Ross House” event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 22. The event is free with House Tour admission, and gives you the chance to meet Betsy at two different stages of her life, as well as other iconic historical women.
You can find more information and purchase tickets here ($12 for adults; $10 for children 6-12).
Saturday, March 8: We Dissent Marketplace at Love City Brewing
Love City Brewing will host a fundraiser to support reproductive rights featuring women, nonbinary, LGBTQ+ and allied makers from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, march 8. Proceeds from the market will go toward Planned Parenthood and WOAR, the oldest and largest rape crisis center in Pennsylvania. The event is free to attend.
Saturday, March 8: Sisterly Love Collective Sunday Supper
The Sisterly Love Collective started as a group for women restaurateurs to navigate their businesses, successes and challenges during the pandemic. It has since grown into a large network for all kinds of women entrepreneurs to grow, learn, and receive mentorship.
Their event on International Women’s Day will feature a cocktail hour, appetizers, a two-course dinner, desserts, a private auction, and a reception for networking. Reservations are required. You can learn more and get your tickets here.
Wednesday, March 11 & March 18: The Library Company of Philadelphia
The independent research library will host two events supporting Women’s History Month and adjacent literature on two Wednesdays this month.
On March 11, explore the legacy of Sarah Kennedy – a widow who dealt with land disputes and assets following the death of her husband, Samuel Kennedy. The lecture, hosted by Dr. Camille Kaszubowski, will explore the experiences of women during the Revolutionary era. The free event is from 5:30-8 p.m., and you can register here.
On March 18, editors and contributors of the book The Gendered Republic: Reimagining Identity in the New Nation will host a fireside chat focusing on early American history’s role through gender. The virtual event will discuss how gender history has impacted understandings of early American history. You can learn more and register here.
Thursday, March 12: Women Mean Business at Society Hill Dance Academy
This event will feature roundtable discussions with local entrepreneurs from East Passayunk Avenue. Attendees can learn need-to-know information in running a female-owned business and network with other entrepreneurs. Tickets are $10, and include light refreshments.
Friday, March 13 & Saturday, March 14: Mujeres Making Empanadas at Jezabel’s
Head over to this West Philly communal empanada-making class to celebrate mujeres (women in Spanish) on two different nights in March. For $85, you’ll get a deep dive into the art behind making empanadas, and how you assemble and create proper flavor for your dough. You’ll also get family-style sides and desserts along with the empanadas. You can sign up here.
Saturday, March 14: First Women’s Medical College ‘Firstival’
Join Visit Philadelphia’s weekly series for a focus on women’s medical education from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. The Firstival will feature insight into the first degree-granting medical school for women – which was right here in Philadelphia. Learn more and plan your attendance here.
Thursday, March 19 & Wednesday March 25: The Wardrobe Women’s History Month Events
The Wardrobe, a store offering free clothes and programming for various groups in Philly and statewide, is hosting several events for Women’s History Month.
On Thursday, March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., the Philadelphia headquarters of The Wardrobe (444 N. 3rd Street), will host the Leaders in Fashion event. The free event will shine a spotlight on leaders in fashion, and how they have learned to forge success on their paths forward.
On Wednesday, March 25, The Wardrobe will host Open Wardrobe events in its Philadelphia, Upper Darby, Chester, Exton, Norristown and Kennett Square locations. All women can receive a free bra fitting, and free professional or casual clothes. Those attending will also receive hygienic products as a part of their clothing purchase.
You can learn more about both events and RSVP here.
Saturday, March 21 & Saturday, March 28: Harriet’s Bookshop’s Deeply Rooted Trolley Tour
This hop on-hop off tour celebrates Philly food, art, music, and culture by stopping at various curated locations throughout the city. Its Women History Month tours will feature stops at Black women-owned spaces throughout Philadelphia – including Love and Liberty Style Boutique, Dope Botanicals and Plant and People. You can secure your spot and learn more here.
Sunday, March 22 & Sunday, March 29: Women’s History Month at Laurel Hill
Head over to the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery on two Sundays this month for Women’s History Month events.
On March 22, head over to explore the “Wonderous Women of Laurel Hill West” at 1 p.m. In this tour, you will hear the stories of several ground-breaking women who are buried at the cemetery. The event is $20 for general admission.
On March 30, head over to Laurel Hill East to explore the resting places of various women activists, influencers and philatrophists. The event starts at 1 p.m. and is $20 for general admission.
Sunday, March 22: Literacy Moments Magazine Women History Month Book Fest
Join the Philly-based Literacy Moments Magazine at their Women History Month Book Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. This event will feature stories and works from various women authors, and allows networking opportunities for women t oconnect and chat about books they enjoy. You can get tickets and learn more here.
Saturday, March 28: Women’s History Month Marketplace at MQ Factory
Shop at this special market dedicated to celebrating and supporting women-owned businesses from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. The marketplace will feature a lineup of women entrepreneurs selling products such as homemade goods, fashion, beauty and home decor products. The event is free to attend, and you can RSVP here.
Sunday, March 29: Sister Sunday Market at The Logan Hotel
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a women-owned small business market at The Logan Hotel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free to attend, and includes clothing, jewerly, food and drink offerings for purchase.
Ongoing: Beyond the Bell Badass Women’s History Tour
This two-hour walking tour showcases the badass women who shaped Philadelphia’s history. The daily tour offered by the local group Beyond the Bell starts off in the Historic District and ends at 13th and Locust streets. During the walk, participants will learn about women like Hannah Callowhill Penn, the first female governor of Pennsylvania, and Ona Judge, who escaped slavery from President George Washington. Attendees will also learn about LGBTQ leaders in the Gayborhood, and other women in art and medicine.
Tours are $59 per person, and there are private walking tours available for $490 for the first ten people. You can book here.
This is an ongoing list of events that will be updated as more information is found.