Honoring the history of women

March 03, 2009

March is Women’s History Month throughout the U.S. The Library of Congress and other national entities are paying tribute to the generations of women who have made a difference in nation’s history. Here is a link to a Web site about this month-long celebration. There have been many women who lived remarkable lives here in Washington. One is Bertha Knight Landes (1868-1943), who became the first woman to lead a major American city when she was elected mayor of Seattle in 1926. According to HistoryLink.org, Landes ran on a platform of “municipal housekeeping,” vowing to clean up city government. Her single term ended in 1928.

Another remarkable Washington woman is Gretchen Kunigk from Tacoma. She was the first American to win an Olympic gold medal for skiing, in 1948. Both photos are from the Washington State Library Photograph Collection, located in the State Archives.

The Washington State Historical Society is now showing an interesting exhibit, “Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices,” at the Washington State Historical Museum in Tacoma through September 27. Go here for more information.

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