Celebrating Women’s History Month in Central Florida

by | March 1, 2024

March in Florida is not just about welcoming spring or enjoying the beautiful weather; it’s also a time to celebrate and reflect on Women’s History Month. This special month is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the vital role of women in American history and, more specifically, their contributions to the vibrant tapestry of Florida’s heritage. Women’s History Month offers an opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to learn more about the trailblazing women who have shaped not just the state of Florida but the nation and the world. From political leaders like Elizabeth McCullough Johnson, who helped and advocate for UCF’s establishment, to writers like Zora Neale Hurston, born and raised in Eatonville and advocated for civil rights in Florida and nationally, Florida women have been at the forefront of making history. These women, among others, embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and advocacy, making significant contributions to both the state of Florida and the world at large.

The celebration of Women’s History Month in Florida is a testament to the state’s diverse and inclusive spirit. It’s a time when communities come together to host a variety of events, from educational seminars and workshops to exhibitions and networking events, each designed to inspire and empower individuals across the state. These activities not only highlight the achievements of women throughout history but also focus on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. Moreover, Women’s History Month is an excellent opportunity for educators and parents to introduce young minds to the stories of women who have made significant contributions in various fields. By bringing these stories into classrooms and homes, we can ensure that the next generation appreciates the diversity of women’s experiences and achievements.

Let’s use this month not only to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women but also to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and the work that still lies ahead. By doing so, we continue to build a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

Check out the following Women History Month events within District 42 and beyond: 

In District 42: 

  • Women Make History: Tuesday, March 5th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at Eatonville Branch Library located at 200 E. Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville
    • Recognize the impact of powerful women who made awesome contributions to our history with stories, crafts and activities. Recommended for lower and upper elementary.
  • Mae Among the Stars: Thursday, March 7th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the Eatonville Branch Library located at 200 E Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville
    • Let’s learn about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space. We will honor her by engaging in themed crafts and activities. Recommended for lower elementary.
  • Soprano Keri Lee Pierson with Musicians of Musiva Celebrating Women’s Day: Friday, March 8th from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the Timucua Arts Foundation located at 2000 S Summerlin Ave, Orlando
    • This ensemble of all women will present a concert of female composers. The performance will include a few premiers and representation from multiple countries. Tickets are $30.
  • HerStory: The Art of Barbara: Saturday, March 9th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Eatonville Branch Library located at 200 E Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville
    • Come immerse yourself in a conversation with Barbara Chandler, one of “Orlando’s 2023 Leading Ladies.” This unique interview, followed by Q&A, will surely educate, and inspire others. This one-of-kind conversation will cover an array of topics from being a single mother from the Virgin Islands to being the first African American to run for City Commissioner in Winter Park. 
  • Music in the Library: Shannon Rae: Sunday, March 10th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at the Orlando Public Library located at 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando
    • Seasoned vocalist Shannon Rae will perform adored classics by female artists. Hear songs every generation will enjoy, you might even catch yourself singing along. Shannon’s repertoire spans multiple genres and decades. To learn more about Shannon, visit www.shannonraemusic.com!
  • Wonder Women in the Arts and Sciences: Wednesday, March 13th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at Fairview Shores Library located at 902 Lee Road, Suite 26, Orlando
    • Marvel at the contributions of some amazing women in history with a series of science and art projects. Recommended for elementary age children.
  • Women’s History Breakfast: Daring Women of the Skies: Thursday, March 14th from 8:00am to 10:00am at the Orange County History Center located at 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando
    • Celebrate Daring Women of the Skies in which highlights pioneering aviators with connections to Central Florida, including Bessie Coleman and Ruth Elder! Individual tickets are $35, with discounts available for History Center Members and Orange County employees.
  • Barbie World: Thursday, March 14th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the Eatonville Branch Library located at 200 E Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville
    • Join us to learn the origin behind one of our favorite icons and the effect her empowerment had on many! We will then design our own Barbie blueprint. Recommended for ages 6-12.
  • Celebrate Herstory – Women’s History Month Party: Monday, March 25th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at The Conduit located at 6700 Aloma Ave, Winter Park 
    • A chill, inspiring night dedicated exclusively to women, emphasizing the spirit of empowerment, relaxing, and community as well as with food and prizes!
  • Super Woman Storytime Tuesday, March 26th from 10:30am to 11:15am at Fairview Shores Library located at 902 Lee Road, Suite 26, Orlando
    • Allies assemble! Read stories and participate in activities featuring favorite Women Superheroes such as Ms. Marvel and Wonder Woman. Recommended for ages 18-36 months. 
  • Women’s History Art Collage: Wednesday, March 27th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at Fairview Shores Library located at 902 Lee Road, Suite 26, Orlando
    • Cut, tear, mix and glue newspaper and magazine paper to create a unique collage. Easy to do and enjoyable! Recommended for ages 6 through 12.
  • Crafternoons: Celebrate Women’s History: Friday, March 29th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Fairview Shores Library located at 902 Lee Road, Suite 26, Orlando
    • Learn how to create new crafts in celebration of Women’s History Month. Use creativity and collaboration for an hour-long crafting event. Recommended for adults.
  • SheSells. Pop-up Flea Market: Saturday, March 30th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Thornton Park located at 431 E. Central Blvd. & The Street 420 E. Church Street, Orlando
    •  She Sells is a collective of female creatives, artists, makers and local small business owners in Orlando, FL. Come enjoy the amazing vendors and food! 
  • Women in the Arts Expo-Celebrating the Genius of Women: Saturday, March 30th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Orlando Public Library located at 101 E. Central Blvd, Orlando
    • Engage with the professional fine arts community of Central Florida in a two-hour networking event cultivating inclusivity and equity for women artists. Featuring a keynote with an arts industry leader addressing the “how” of advancing in the fine arts.

Beyond District 42: 

  • #WorkingWomenClub Virtual Job Fair / Career Expo Event: Friday, March 1st from 11:00am to 2:00pm virtually
    • Happening every 1st Friday of the month, from 11am to 2pm in your local time zone, this event is specially designed for women professionals seeking to advance their careers, network, and find new opportunities in various industries!
  • Pow-Her-Ful: Tuesday, March 5th from 4:30pm to 5:10pm at the Children’s Area in the Southeast Branch Library located at 5575 S Semoran Blvd, Suite 46, Orlando
    • Explore the common empowering qualities of well-known women like Simone Biles, Frida Kahlo, Jane Goodall and more. Recommended for ages 3-5.
  • Women in Science: Tuesday March 5th, from 5:30pm to 6:15pm at South Creek Library located at 1702 Deerfield Blvd, Orlando
    • Make an astronaut helmet to celebrate Mae C. Jemison, craft a glow-in-the-dark Erlenmeyer flask in honor of Marie Curie, and conduct an experiment with absorbent polymer to understand how Marion Donovan invented disposable diapers.
  • A World of Color: Friday, March 8th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at the Southeast Branch Library located at 5575 S Semoran Blvd, Suite 46, Orlando
    • Create abstract art using vivid colors inspired by the work of Disney artist, Mary Blair. Recommended for families with children ages 5 and up.
  • Women Celebrating Women “I Am Inspired”: Saturday, March 9th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm located at 4677 L.B. McLeod Road, Suite I, Orlando
    • Join for an empowering Brunch where women come together to celebrate each other’s achievements and inspire one another. “I Am Inspired” is a gathering of strong, talented, and fearless women from all walks of life. General admission is $50.
  • Women’s Day Networking Event: Tuesday, March 12th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm located at 220 East Monument Avenue, STE A, Kissimmee
    • Celebrate Women’s Day with a fabulous in-person networking event at Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ where amazing women come to connect, inspire, and empower each other.
  • I SEA Sharks: Thursday, March 21st from 10:15am to 11:15 am in Meeting Room 2 at the South Trail Branch Library located at 4600 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
    • Dive into stories and interactive activities inspired by our ocean friends and learn more about Eugenie Clark’s journey in becoming the ocean’s most fearless scientist. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Inspirational Women Artists: Thursday, March 21st from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at South Trail Library located at 4600 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
    • Learn about the life and art of an influential female artist and discover techniques to recreate her unique art style. Recommended for ages 6-8.
  • DIY Rollerball Perfume: Friday, March 22nd from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Meeting Room I in the Alafaya Branch Library located at 12000 E Colonial Drive, Orlando
    • Make a personalized essential oil scented rollerball perfume while you learn about a famous female perfumer to celebrate Women’s History Month! Recommended for adults. Attendees with fragrance sensitivity should be aware that essential oils will be used during the program.
  • Perler Bead Crafts: Women’s History Month: Monday, March 25th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at Hiawassee Library located at 7391 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
    • Join for a creative journey as we celebrate Women’s History Month with Perler Bead Crafts!
  • Wonder Women: Wednesday, March 27th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Alafaya Library located at 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
    • Marvel at the contributions of some amazing women in history with brainy trivia and brilliant activities. Recommended for lower and upper elementary.
  • Family Art Adventures – Yayoi Kusama: Thursday, March 28th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Children’s Room at the Southeast Branch Library located at 5575 S Semoran Blvd, Suite 46, Orlando
    • Unleash your inner artist and discover your creative side in this all-ages art exploration. Recommended for families with children ages 5 and up.
  • Frida Kahlo Planter: Thursday, March 28th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at Meeting Room I in the South Creek Branch Library located at 1702 Deerfield Blvd, Orlando
    • Celebrate in a fun way by creating a fun flower pot inspired by Frida Kahlo and her iconic eyebrows! Ages 18+.
  • Inspirational Women Artists: Saturday, March 30th from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Chickasaw Library located at 870 N. Chickasaw Trail, Orlando
    • Learn about the life and art of an influential female artist and discover techniques to recreate her unique art style. Recommended for ages 6-8.
  • Family Barbecue to celebrate Women’s Month with HAPBWA Foundation: Saturday, March 30th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm located at 12901 Moss Park Road, Orlando
    • This special event promises a day full of joy, community spirit, and empowerment, set against the backdrop of one of Orlando’s beautiful natural parks. Whether you’re looking to connect with your community, enjoy some delicious BBQ and foods, or simply spend a quality day out with the family, this event is for you! Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
  • Family Art Adventures – Georgia O’Keeffe: Saturday, March 30th from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Alafaya Branch Library located at 12000 E Colonial Drive, Orlando
    • Learn about artist Georgia O’Keeffe, then create artwork as a family. Recommended for families with children 5 and up! Registration required for each family member.
  • Women’s Month Luncheon: Saturday, March 30th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm located at 1844 Longwood Lake Mary Road, STE 1060, Longwood
    • Close out Women’s History Month with a beautiful, inspiring luncheon designed to inspire and motivate you to continue embracing all that you are as a woman. They will have an art gallery popup from various local artists, a live R&B singer, a motivational speaker, appetizers, unique cocktails, and all the good vibes!