Women Who Dared: A Guide to the Places in Rockville Where Women Dared to Challenge Expectations Both in Society and in themselves.
Speaker: Mary van Balgooy
This illustrated presentation features some of the women of Rockville who challenged expectations in society and in themselves, including Vivian Simpson, the first woman to practice law in Montgomery County; Dr. Frieda Fromm-Reichmann, whose innovative treatment of mental disease changed the practice of psychology and psychiatry; and Viola Hovsepian, Rockville's first female mayor. The program last about 40-45 minutes and includes a full-color booklet.
*NEW!* Divided Nation, Divided Town: One Woman's Experience
Speaker: Emily Correll
The story of Rockville's Dora Higgins and her experiences during the Civil War.
Other Topics of Interest in Women's History
*NEW!* We Were There, Too: Nurses in the Civil War
Reenactor: Candace Ridington
Candace Ridington portrays a nurse reminiscing about her time of service in Washington, D.C., during the Civil War when the nursing profession struggled to create itself. This reenactment portrays the nurse profession's early challenges, its rewards and sadness, and a glimpse of other nurses whose names are known to us through their journals. Suitable for adults and young adults. 45-50 minutes.
Family Life After the Star Spangled Banner
Reenactor: Mary Lou Luff
Mrs. Upton Beall, in federal clothing, shows artifacts of the early 19th century. She discusses fashion, money, social activities, and training household help.
Home Remedies in the Federal and Civil War Era, 1800 to 1865
Reenactor: Mary Lou Luff
Mrs. Stonestreet, mother of a Rockville doctor, shares medical advice and home recipes using samples of salves, cough syrup, insect repellants and artifacts of the 19th century. The program concludes with a discussion of her historical costume.
The Little Woman Who Grew Up: A Visit with Louisa May Alcott
Reenactor: Candace Ridington
Using her own script, Candace Ridington portrays Louisa May Alcott, daughter of the controversial Bronson Alcott and author of Little Women and Hospital Sketches, abolitionist, and nurse in Washington D.C. during the Civil War. Learn about the challenges and rewards of Alcott's life, including her family's struggle to live at Fruitlands, a Utopian Society her father attempted to create, and her harrowing stint at the Union Hotel Hospital in Georgetown shortly after the battle of Antietam. The program lasts about 45 minutes.
