Welcome to our women's history programs

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This 1-hour program honors the fearless life and activism of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, the pioneering journalist, civil rights crusader, and early women’s suffrage leader. Born into slavery and rising to become one of the most powerful voices of her time, Wells exposed racial injustice, challenged segregation, and helped lay the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.

Through a dynamic first-person portrayal, a Gather Place Museum reenactor embodies Wells as a teacher, investigative journalist, anti-lynching advocate, organizer, and suffragist. The performance moves through defining moments in her life—from her groundbreaking journalism with The Free Speech to co-founding the NAACP and advocating for women’s voting rights. With simple period touches and compelling storytelling, audiences step into the fight for justice and equality.

Program Highlights:
• Authentic Representation: Period-inspired accessories reflect Wells’s world as a journalist and activist.
• Audience Connection: Q&A invites thoughtful discussion about her courage, legacy, and ongoing relevance.

Ideal for classrooms, libraries, museums, women’s leadership programs, civic groups, community organizations, and theatres. 

This engaging 1-hour lecture celebrates the remarkable legacy of America’s First Ladies, guided by Michelle Obama as narrator and central voice. A Gather Place Museum presenter portraying Michelle Obama weaves her own groundbreaking journey with the lives of twelve influential First Ladies—from Martha Washington to Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, and others—culminating in her role as the first African American FLOTUS.

Through storytelling, historical quotes, and vivid visuals showcasing each woman’s iconic style, audiences see how the role of First Lady evolved into one of leadership, influence, and cultural power.

Program Highlights:

• Narrative Journey: “Michelle Obama” guides audiences through the stories of twelve trailblazing First Ladies.
   
• Audience Connection: Concluding Q&A fosters reflection, conversation, and shared learning.

 This 1-hour PowerPoint-based online lecture explores the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, tracing her journey from her childhood as Araminta “Minty” Ross to her courageous leadership as the freedom fighter known as “Moses.” Using archival images, maps, and historical narration, a Gather Place Museum educator guides audiences through four key chapters that highlight defining moments in Tubman’s life and legacy.

Program Highlights:

• Historical Immersion:
  A well-researched, four-part visual lecture brings Tubman’s story to life through compelling images and narration. 
• Cultural Significance:
  Audiences gain insight into Tubman’s enduring legacy as a symbol of courage, resilience, and justice. 
• Audience Engagement:
  A concluding Q&A encourages discussion, reflection, and deeper understanding. 

This 1-hour program honors the fearless life and activism of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, the pioneering journalist, civil rights crusader, and early women’s suffrage leader. Born into slavery and rising to become one of the most powerful voices of her time, Wells exposed racial injustice, challenged segregation, and helped lay the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.

Through a dynamic first-person portrayal, a Gather Place Museum reenactor embodies Wells as a teacher, investigative journalist, anti-lynching advocate, organizer, and suffragist. The performance moves through defining moments in her life—from her groundbreaking journalism with The Free Speech to co-founding the NAACP and advocating for women’s voting rights. With simple period touches and compelling storytelling, audiences step into the fight for justice and equality.

Program Highlights:
• Authentic Representation: Period-inspired accessories reflect Wells’s world as a journalist and activist.
• Audience Connection: Q&A invites thoughtful discussion about her courage, legacy, and ongoing relevance.

Ideal for classrooms, libraries, museums, women’s leadership programs, civic groups, community organizations, and theatres. 

This 1-hour program honors Hannah Penn’s quiet yet extraordinary leadership, offering audiences an inspiring look at how a determined woman helped shape America’s early foundation. Through an immersive, historically grounded lecture, participants discover the remarkable story of Pennsylvania’s First Lady—who governed the colony after the passing of her husband, William Penn. Engaging storytelling highlights Hannah’s steady guidance in promoting religious tolerance, diplomacy, and community leadership.

Program Highlights:
• Audience Connection: A concluding Q&A invites participants to reflect on how Hannah Penn’s 18th-century vision resonates with today’s ideals of democracy and inclusion.

This 1-hour program pays homage to Abigail Adams, one of America’s most influential First Ladies, whose wisdom, letters, and early advocacy continue to resonate today. A Gather Place Museum reenactor brings Abigail to life—wife of President John Adams and mother of President John Quincy Adams—sharing her famous appeal to “remember the ladies” and her powerful reflections on liberty, government, and equality.

Through compelling first-person scenes, excerpts from Abigail’s letters, and subtle 18th-century costume transitions, audiences experience her sharp intellect, her influence on early American policy, and the remarkable partnership she shared with her husband. Costume details highlight domestic life, political life, and the early shaping of a new nation.

Ideal For:
Classrooms, libraries, museums, women’s leadership programs, civic groups, community organizations, and theatres.

Program Highlights:

• Immersive Reenactment: Showcasing Abigail’s voice as an early advocate for women’s rights and education.
   
• Audience Connection: A concluding Q&A encourages reflection on Abigail’s legacy and her role in shaping America’s foundation.

 This lecture explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Selma Hortense Burke (1900–1995), a pioneering sculptor, painter, and educator whose 46-year residency in Bucks County shaped her artistic and civic impact. Best known for sculpture, Burke created influential portraits of African American leaders and completed the bronze Four Freedoms plaque of President Franklin D. Roosevelt—work central to the design of the U.S. dime. 

Program highlights include her role as a groundbreaking educator, founder of three schools, mentor to generations of students, and a lifelong artist who remained creatively active into her nineties, embodying enduring excellence in art and public service.