In March we recognize Women’s History Month, an international celebration of women’s achievements and accomplishments throughout time. Of course, championing the success of females from around the world is something we can work to do every day, Women’s History Month provides us with an added unique opportunity to explore, amplify and reflect on the countless contributions that women have made to history, culture and society.
There are many ways to find out more about the vital role women have played in the development of our world, for example through stories, research, film, and music! Or if you happen to have access to a Secret Museum, like Xavier Riddle and crew, you can travel back through history to learn first-hand from some of these incredible female heroes, who helped change the world for the better!
Join us, as we take a trip back in time using the Secret Museum—to learn more about a few of these incredible women who chose to challenge the status quo at the time, and in turn made amazing contributions to history.
Marie Curie – “Follow your dreams, no matter what!”
Up first on our tour, we are going back to the 1800s to meet Marie Curie. Curie was an award-winning scientist who made many important contributions to the field of science. For example, she discovered the elements of polonium and radium, using a technique she invented for isolating radioactive isotopes. Radium is used today in the treatment of cancer.
But the road to becoming such an accomplished scientist was not easy for Marie. When Curie was young, girls were not allowed to enroll in university. This challenge did not stop the ambitious scientist, she refused to give up on her dream and found her own secret school, The Flying University, an underground university where she could learn! After she completed her studies, she started up her very own lab and went on to make many amazing scientific discoveries! It was hard work, but she never gave up.
Wilma Rudolph – “No matter where you start, you can always get better!”
Wilma Glodean Rudolph was an American sprinter born in Tennessee, who became a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon in track and field following her successes in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games.
When Xavier, Brad and Yadina met Wilma Rudolph, she was training for the Olympics, but had to wear a leg brace due to an injury. She didn’t let that stop her from following her dreams of being in the Olympics. Instead, she kept practicing and practicing and eventually developed enough strength to compete! Wilma Rudolph taught us that no matter where you start, you can always get better!
Amelia Earhart – “Go for it!”
Amelia Mary Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences, and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.
When Xavier takes his pals back in time to meet Amelia Earhart, someone who never backed down from a challenge, the kids get to watch and see Amelia boldly chase her dream of soaring through the clouds as the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo! Amelia’s bravery and courage is a great reminder for everyone that when there’s something you really want to do, even if it seems impossible, you just have to go for it!
Maya Angelou – “Use your words for good!”
Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published several autobiographies, essays, and poetry books, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.
When Xavier, Brad and Yadina met Maya Angelou, she taught them that our words have a lot of power. She reminded them that although it can be difficult at times to know the right thing to say – everyone has a voice and should use their words for good! She read them an important poem that said, “kind words are much like a hug that warms you in the rain, but words can also hurt and be the source of someone’s pain”. Maya Angelou encouraged people everywhere that their words alone have the power to make the world a better place!
As Women’s History Month comes to end, let’s remember the important contributions women have made to help make the world a better place. Their achievements and leadership, plus the courage, strength and love that these historical figures exemplified should be something we commemorate every day!
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