LANSING, MI – What women in your community are worthy of recognition on the state level? Nominations are being accepted for the 2016 class of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. The Hall commemorates women of this state who have distinguished themselves in one or more fields of endeavor including, but not limited to, abolition, agriculture, architecture, art, athletics, aviation, business, chemistry, children’s rights, civil rights, community service, conflict resolution/peace movement, dietetics, economics, education, entertainment, environment, folk life, government, history, human resources, journalism, labor, law, law enforcement, medicine/healthcare, military, music, Native American rights, philanthropy, politics, religion, science, social work/mission work, suffrage, television/radio, women’s rights, and writing.
Candidates for admission to the Hall of Fame may have been born in Michigan OR achieved prominence within the state OR been a resident of the state for an extended period after achieving prominence elsewhere. A nominated woman may be living or deceased. Women’s organizations may also be nominated.
All nominations must be submitted by mail or email on approved nomination forms, found online at http://michiganwomen.org/nomination_form1.aspx. Printed versions may be obtained by calling the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame at (517) 484-1880 ext. 203 or by e-mailing info@michgianwomen.org. The deadline for submissions is March 21, 2016.
Honorees of the past have included Debbie Stabenow, Michigan’s first female U.S. senator; Rosa Parks, civil rights activist; Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering, developers of the whooping cough vaccine; Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, the nation’s first Native American writer; Genevieve Gillette, considered the ‘mother of Michigan’s state park system’; Sarah Emma Edmonds, a Civil War soldier; and singer Aretha Franklin.
The induction ceremony for the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame will take place in October 2016.
The mission of the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame is to promote the equality of women by honoring the history and celebrating the accomplishments of Michigan women. The Michigan Women’s Historical Center, located at 213 W. Malcolm X Street in Downtown Lansing, is home to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame featuring over 290 honorees past and present, changing history exhibits, and a fair trade gift shop. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12-4 p.m. and the 1st Sunday of every month, 2-4 p.m. Closed all major holidays and holiday weekends. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students (6-18) and free for children 5 and under. The Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame is operated by the Michigan Women’s Studies Association, a non-profit 501c3 organization.
