Save the Date!

MCCV 4th/5th Music Concert

Fri., May 12, 2023 - 6pm

In the Lodge

Happy St. Patrick's Day, we are halfway through women's history month. There are many events around the county celebrating historical women and the amazing heritage they bring to our cultures. If you can't make the events this year, plan to look for these events next year, as some of them are annual events. You can always join an online seminar or pick one historical woman to learn more about.

Did you know that the Women’s History Month began in Sonoma County?

The National Women’s History Alliance, was founded in Sonoma County. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated the first-ever “Women's History Week” celebration.

The weeklong celebration included school programs, speakers, an essay contest, and a parade held in downtown Santa Rosa. The image above is from the 1979 Santa Rosa Women’s History Week parade. Hearing of the success of the Sonoma County program, several prominent women’s groups began lobbying for a national celebration — and in 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the first-ever “Women's History Week” in early March of that year. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity.

Sonoma County Library celebrates National Women’s History Month with events, displays, and resources, such as those highlighted below. Help us share in this annual tribute by celebrating and learning about the generations of women who influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Events And Activities

Author Talk with Pam Jenoff - Writer of The Lost Girls of Paris

Tuesday, March 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

An exciting trip through time with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff about her newest book Code Name Sapphire!

In Code Name Sapphire, A woman must rescue her cousin's family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance.

Celebrating Trans Women as Women

Wednesday, March 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm - At Windsor Library

Sonoma Land Trust- envites us to join them for a panel discussion, led by author Janna Barkin, featuring panelists who will share their experiences and perspectives as transgender and nonbinary individuals.

As part of Women’s History Month, we’re showcasing Mary Ellen Stuart, one of the first female winemakers in the region and the namesake of the charming Glen Ellen village. Our Glen Oaks Ranch preserve is the home and property where she lived.

There is no denying wineries have dramatically changed our physical landscape in Sonoma County. Where once there were oak groves and orchards, there are often now grape vines.

The change in the landscape began in 1859 when Colonel Charles Stuart purchased land from General Vallejo. He would name his 1,000-acre ranch and vineyard Glen Ellen, after his wife Mary Ellen. When Charles died shortly before harvest in 1880, Mary Ellen took a bold step and took over the winemaking business, something that women in that time would not even considered. That year she nearly doubled the output of the previous years’ wine and became one of Sonoma Valley’s few women winemakers. This was a feat during a time when the legal system did not recognize a woman’s right to run a business!

Mary Ellen contributed to our local history by forging a trail for women in business while also showing an understanding of the land and working to keep it vibrant and fruitful for future generations. Learn more about Glen Oaks Ranch and sign up for a guided hike on our website. http://ow.ly/SYbs50Nfzyc

Did you know our library has an instagram account? Please follow us and join in the fun! A special thank you to Ms. Rainey for managing our account.

@mccvbooks