Workshops

Family Narratives: Comparing and Sharing Our Stories

The beauty of family stories is the simplicity in which they can be shared. This workshop explores family narratives by looking at different types of family stories and some of the common genres (like courtship, migration, and family feuds).  It also delves into the functions our family stories serve to not only entertain us but to teach lessons, share history, and honor those who have passed. Participants will leave with tips and techniques for gathering their own stories.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory & Workers’ Rights 

Witnessing the devastation of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire changed the trajectory of Frances Perkins’s life and inspired her efforts to fight for the safety and rights of laborers. In this workshop participants learn about the events preceding that day, the timeline, circumstances, and losses from the fire, and the changes it inspired in Perkins and many others.

Frances Perkins and the Roosevelts: From New York to Washington D.C.

Frances Perkins built relationships with the people she knew had influence and could help her make a difference in the world. She impressed Teddy Roosevelt through correspondence regarding worker safety. Later, she became friends with Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, but much closer to him than her. She supported Franklin Roosevelt throughout his time as Governor of New York and President of the United States. This workshop looks at the impact Franklin and Frances had on each other, and on our nation’s history.

What Do You Know About Woman Suffrage?

This interactive questions and answer trivia workshop chronicles the process by which woman attained the vote, but also dispels some of the myths that surfaced along the way. From the famous participants of the past who worked tirelessly to modern day politicians and activist who continue their work, this workshop highlights the achievements of many who fought for women’s rights.

Carrie Chapman Catt: Final Steps To the 19^th Amendment

When Susan B. Anthony retired from the presidency of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, she chose Carrie Chapman Catt as her successor. Catt actually lived to see the passage of the 19^th amendment.  Soon after she founded the League of Woman Voters, in an effort to educate and advocate for issues important to women’s lives. Her work, while revered in many ways, is couched in a controversy of racism that represents the systemic division that occurred within the women’s movement.  Examination of the privileged narrative of Catt points to the exclusions and omissions of others working at that same time and toward the same goal of enfranchisement.          

Everyone Has a Voice (Youth Workshop)

This workshop focuses on the importance of voting in a democracy. Starting from the basic principle of voting as a way of “having a voice,” the participants will learn about why voting is important, explore the various ways in which voting occurs, and discuss some of the changes that have occurred over the past 100 years. The workshop will combine storytelling, interactive activities and a brief history of women’s right to vote.

Anyone can be a Superhero! (Youth Workshop)

Heroes come in many forms and heroic deeds can be big or small. This workshop tell the story of Carrie Chapman Catt and the work she and many others did in the 72-year fight to gain the right for women to vote. Today, voting is a way of “having a voice,” making a difference in the world, and being your own superhero. The workshop will combine storytelling, interactive activities and a brief history of women’s suffrage movement.