Be a Part of Writing Women’s History!
We are inviting you to become part of history-making! Most of us realize that women have played important roles in community building throughout Nevada’s history. Yet, so many of us continue to bemoan the scarcity of sources available to document this important aspect of history. Thankfully, over the course of the past several decades, scholars of women’s history have carefully gathered evidence of women’s roles and contributions; truly enriching the narrative of Nevada women’s history. But there are too few scholars to uncover and record the vast amounts of our history.
We can all be a part of this venture. I invite all of you to take part in the writing of Nevada women’s history. One doesn’t need a “Ph.D.” after their name or even a college degree to assist in the documentation of women’s lives. Do you know of a woman who is intriguing, fascinating, or perhaps simply tenacious? Sit down with her over a cup of coffee or tea. Turn on a recorder of some type and talk with her. Soon you have a lasting conversation that is a primary historical source and a permanent piece of history.
Perhaps you’ve attended an event with impressive speakers or enthusiastic attendees. Hold up your cell phone for an instant snapshot. Jot down a brief description of the event and email it off to a local women’s organization, community newspaper, or this very virtual center! Do you belong to a women’s organization? Or perhaps possess the photos and papers of an elderly female relative? We have Women’s Archives located at both UNR and UNLV that would welcome such materials.
You may encounter young women who have a real passion and vision for the future. How exciting to record a conversation with them before they’ve become known public figures. Or why not ask your own mothers, aunts, or grandmothers? I’m willing to bet that they have intriguing stories to share about their life’s experiences. Do you use Facebook or have your own Blog? The resources available are endless!
Becoming an historical investigator doesn’t have to be a labor intensive process. If we all just gather and share a few pieces of past women’s history or history in-the-making; we will soon discover that we’ve made an important contribution to the history of women in Nevada.
Resources are available across our state. See the links on this site for contact information. This particular site is dedicated to broadening the interactive communication across our state. Check this site frequently for more tips on the process of writing women’s history. Or click on the “Volunteer” link below if you would be willing to help build a repository of clips on women’s history. So, I encourage all of you, even if it’s just to talk to someone about how to begin – take the step. We cannot wait for others to write our history – we need to begin now!
Dr. Caryll Batt Dziedziak