BHS celebrates women’s history

BETHEL — At 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, the Bethel Historical Society will celebrate Women’s History Month with a screening of the film “Reaching Out for Liberty & Light: The Life of Frances Payne Bolton.”

The younger sister of William Bingham 2nd, Bethel’s greatest philanthropist, Frances Payne (Bingham) Bolton is recognized today as an outstanding and influential politician, humanitarian, philanthropist, and patriot.

BHS Executive Director Emeritus Stanley R. Howe, who is completing a biography of William Bingham, will introduce the film and this free program at the Dr. Moses Mason House (14 Broad Street).

In 1940, the voters of Ohio’s 22nd district elected Frances Payne Bolton (1885-1977) their state’s first congresswoman. Through her 28-year service in Congress, she helped to shape many of the defining moments of her era, influencing national policy towards the Soviet Union and Africa, helping to transform the nursing profession during World War II, serving as the first woman congressional delegate to the United Nations, and rendering extraordinary service to her constituents in Northeast Ohio.

In contrast to the shining aura of her public role, Frances Bolton’s private life was shadowed by tragedy. The wealth and social prominence of her family could not protect her from illness and death.

Out of devastating personal experiences came an indomitable spirit and an inner vision. Her kinship with “suffering humanity,” combined with the financial resources to instantly transform ideas into actions, enabled her to become one of the unique figures in American history.

“Women's History Month” is an annual declared month worldwide that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with “International Women's Day” on March 8, and during October in Canada, corresponding with the celebration of “Persons Day” on October 18. In the United States, Women's History Month traces its beginnings back to the first International Women's Day in 1911.

For more information, call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or visit www.bethelhistorical.org.