The Wilderness of Women: the creative spirit of women and environmental advocacy

Authors:

• Lindsay Mehrmann, Museology Graduate Program
• Chair: Meena Selvakumar
• Katie Buckingham
• James Catalinich

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Abstract:

The purpose of this project was to create an exhibit for the Tacoma Historical Society that highlighted underrepresented female narratives in history and connected them to the present. Women of the last century have significantly shaped how we approach environmental advocacy today, though these narratives are seldom featured in environmental history. Western territories' early passage of women’s suffrage suggests that a progressive stance on women’s rights may have been a reason why women were so active in environmental policy. Historically, women of Washington have been outdoor enthusiasts, prioritized environmental health & conservation, advocated for their communities, and addressed issues of environmental justice. These approaches greatly differed from the overwhelmingly male-dominated leadership of frontiersmen, which focused primarily on wealth and conquests. This approach did not consider the impact of these industries on the environment, or the holistic repercussions these industries would have. While women in Western territories did have access to early suffrage, and expressed their right to vote, they still needed to exercise creative means to tackle issues that contradicted money-making industries; such as corrupt leadership, pollution, and community rights. These creative means often involved finding power in numbers; educating the public, alliances with like-minded groups, or influencing male leadership (who would go on to take credit for those efforts). This virtual exhibit featured a timeline of Tacoma’s industry and population growth, the impact of those variables, profiled notable women in environmental advocacy, and emphasized their community-centered mindset. The exhibit aimed to educate audiences about the importance of women’s history and representation, and inspire innovative approaches to make meaningful change.

Poster:

Download a copy of the project poster

Project Deliverable:

The Wilderness of Women: the creative spirit of women and environmental advocacy

Video Presentation