Women’s Work in Early 20th Century America & Real Story of Rosie

13 Depot Square,Lexington MA 02420

31 March, 2022

Description

Beyond the Bicep The early 20th century saw an era of historical trailblazing for women, as they won the right to vote, embraced the flapper lifestyle, and then began to enter traditionally masculine hobbies and trades during the Great Depression and World War II. Hear from Historical Society Archivist Elizabeth Mubarek about a local legend, Peggy Kimball, a talented aviator who earned flying classifications held by only three other American women, including Amelia Earhart. Then, learn more from Amanda Goodheart Parks of the New England Air Museum about how women like Peggy put their undervalued skills to work during the war years as “Rosie the Riveters”. Her image has adorned everything from lunchboxes to lampshades, but what is the real story of Rosie the Riveter? Together we’ll trace her journey from propaganda poster to feminist icon while uncovering the history of the real life Rosies who not only inspired that infamous bicep, but whose work in wartime industries helped secure an Allied victory during World War II. Thursday, March 31, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Suggested Donation Speaker Bio: Amanda Goodheart Parks Ph.D. is a public historian whose work has been seen on the History Channel, awarded by the American Alliance of Museums, and featured at museums and historic sites across New England. She earned her Ph.D from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and she specializes in the history of women and gender.