History of Observance

* National Women’s History Month began in the mid 1970’s as a locally celebrated International Women’s Day (March 8th) in Sonoma County, California. After several years of continued success, the program grew to Women’s History Week.
* In March of 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Message encouraging the recognition and celebration of women’s historic accomplishments during the week of March 8th and in 1981 Congress declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s Week.
* Finally, in 1987, at the request of numerous women's organizations, museums, libraries, youth leaders, and educators throughout the country, the National Women's History Project (NWHP) successfully petitioned Congress to expand the national celebrations to the entire month of March.
* As a result, a National Women's History Month Resolution was quickly approved with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.
* Since 1992, a Presidential Proclamation has carried the directive for what is now a major national and international celebration.

According to the National Women’s History Project, the 2005 theme, "Women Change America" honors and recognizes the role of American women in transforming culture, history and politics as leaders, writers, scientists, educators, politicians, artists, historians, and informed citizens. For a very detailed history of the creation of National Women’s History Month, visit the National Women’s History Project website at www.nwhp.org.