The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and Center for Women’s Studies is once again performing the HERstory Project, a staple at UNA during Women’s History Month.
The project, now run by the Executive director of the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and Center for Women’s Studies, Dr. Andrea Hunt, began in 2016 through the efforts of Dr. Lynne Rieff and Emily Kelley to highlight the importance of women throughout history.
Alyson Berger, Associate Director of the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and Center for Women’s Studies, said the project is a “submission-based display hosted by the University of North Alabama’s Center for Women’s Studies in Collier Library during Women’s History Month.” It lets students, facult and staff to honor women that they think have made significant contributions to society. Whether that be a prominent historical figure or a personal figure in a person’s life.
To get involved members of the UNA community by choosing a woman prominent either in their life or to history. They then can write a short biography about that woman’s impact. Those participating should then submit a photo of themselves and a photo of the woman. Members of the community can submit all this through this link.
“Many contributions by women throughout history have been overlooked or minimized in history books. This project provides an opportunity to recognize those achievements, both past and present, ensuring that their impact is acknowledged and celebrated,” Berger said. “It also inspires students and young women by showing them they, too, can shape history and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
This project is important for students, faculty and staff to “build connections between past and present” by “researching historical figures and honoring women in their personal lives.”
“This project encourages students to engage with history through a feminist perspective, emphasizing the importance of women’s experiences and contributions,” she said. “By creating a public display in Collier Library, we provide an opportunity for the entire campus community to engage with and learn from these stories. The inclusion of both historical figures and personal role models allows for a broader, more meaningful representation of women’s impact over time.”
