Women’s History Month is celebrated in March. A time to reflect on, acknowledge, and celebrate the many contributions women have made to society. Here in Southern California, there are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. Whether you’re staying close to home, are looking to try a new restaurant, or want to see a new museum exhibit, we’ve got the list for you.
Celebrate Women’s History by Visiting These Places
Biddy Mason Memorial Park
333 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Biddy Mason Memorial Park is a tribute to Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a woman born into slavery in 1818 and moved to California with the household that owned her. Because California was a free, non-slave state, Mason fought for her freedom in court and won. She settled in Los Angeles, became a property owner, a nurse and midwife, and a philanthropist. This mini-park features a timeline of Biddy Mason’s life as well.
100 Years of Peggy Lee
GRAMMY Museum
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
The GRAMMY Museum invites families to view 100 Years of Peggy Lee, an exhibition celebrating the astounding career of Peggy Lee who “redefined the role of the female singer.” Peggy Lee was actively involved in “every aspect of her performances, from producing to costume and lighting design,” and is often seen as inspiration for contemporary performers such as Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and others. The exhibit includes handwritten notes and drawings, instruments, rare photographs, and more. This exhibit is on display until September 5th. Ticket information is available online.
Women’s Day
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Pretend City Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 2nd. “Did you know that a woman invented the circular saw? The newspaper?” The museum will celebrate women and their impact on society through a variety of fun activities. All activities are included in general museum admission.
Judy Baca: Memorias de Nuestra Tierra, A Retrospective
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802
Families have the chance to see Judy Baca: Memorias de Nuestra Tierra, A Retrospective at MOLAA until March 27th. “This special exhibition is the “first comprehensive retrospective of the work of the internationally renowned Chicana muralist, public intellectual, and community activities, Judy Baca.” The exhibition is divided into three thematic galleries, including the chance to learn about the history of Baca’s first masterpiece, the Great Wall of Los Angeles – a half-mile long mural in the San Fernando Valley. Ticket information is available online.
Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall is at the Natural History Museum until April 17th. “Explore a hands-on, transportive, multimedia exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and work of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall.” Families will have the chance to explore a life-size replica of Dr. Goodall’s research tent, hear a hologram of Dr. Goodall, view artifacts and photos, and much more. Tickets are available online.
Immersive Frida Kahlo
6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
You may be familiar with Frida Kahlo, but Immersive Frida allows families to experience and be a part of her art in a whole new way. “She overcame pain and adversity through self-expression – turning her life into art.” The immersive experience features 500,000 cubic feet of art and is created by the same team who brought us Immersive Van Gogh. “The mesmerizing, large-scale projections, accompanied by a ravishing musical score, will sweep you up as you encounter Frida as never before.” You can already pre-purchase tickets online – the exhibit opens Thursday, March 31st and continues through Saturday, June 11th, 2022.
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Maybe you’ve driven by the Pacific Design Center, and your kids have commented on the brightly colored buildings. But do you know the story behind one of the architects involved with the project? Norma Merrick Sklarek became the “first Black woman licensed as an architect in California,” and has been called the “Rosa Parks of architecture.” Check the website for more information about other buildings Ms. Sklarek designed.
Pillar Campaign
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Next time you’re at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, be sure to take your time and check out the Pillars that are a part of the Museum’s Pillar Campaign (co-chaired by Laura Dern and Kimberly Steward). There are six Pillars you definitely need to see, each one honoring a woman in film — Hattie McDaniel, Buffy St. Marie, Rita Moreno, Alice Guy-Blaché, Miyoki Umeshi, and Sophia Loren.
To Shop:
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904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
{pages} a bookstore was founded back in 2010 by three local, book-loving moms. This popular independent bookstore offers a wide variety of books as well as author events, weekly story times, and monthly book clubs.
MADE by DWC
Downtown Women’s Center
438 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
MADE by DWC is a “purpose driven social enterprise created by The Downtown Women’s Center to empower women in Los Angeles to break the cycle of chronic homelessness through employment.” Items include candles, hand-poured soaps, coffee, and more.
Botanica Restaurant and Market
1620 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Before opening Botanica, co-owners Emily and Heather were food writers and editors. Established in 2017, Botanica is all about “nourishing hospitality,” and features an “obsessively farmers market-centric menu” as well as a focus on “multifaceted sustainability” and a “dedication to respect, equality, inclusivity and healthfulness as core operating tenets.” They serve weekend brunch as well as dinner (Wednesday through Sunday).
HomeState
Multiple locations including
5611 N. Figueroa St. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90042
“HomeState is a Texas Kitchen in Southern California,” founded by Briana Valdez, daughter of first-generation Mexican American parents. Among other things, HomeState is known for their breakfast tacos. In 2015, HomeState “launched the Band Taco Program to bring together music and tacos in support of neighboring communities. Each taco is developed alongside the artist, original artwork is commissioned by a local graphic artist and proceeds are donated to local charities.”
Hotville Chicken
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw
4070 Marlton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
Hotville Chicken is a Black Woman-owned restaurant that has earned rave reviews! At Hotville Chicken, you’re in for a treat — Nashville-style hot chicken. “Hot chicken not only brings the heat, but also is cooked to perfection with secret spices that are passed down with care from generation-to-generation.”
To Learn About Online:
Smarty Pants Storytime: Women’s History Month – Virtual Program
The LA County Library System is hosting Smarty Pants Storytime, with a focus on Women’s History Month, on Friday, March 4th from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. “Learn about amazing women from history and today through books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities while learning school readiness skills and having fun.” This virtual storytime is designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Register online.
Women’s History Month – LA County System
The Los Angeles County Public Library system celebrates Women’s History Month all throughout March. Check the website for more information (as it becomes available) regarding related activities and events, book lists, activity ideas, and more.
Representing Women: Gender and Portraiture in 17th-Century Europe – Virtual Exhibition
The Norton Simon Museum invites families to explore its virtual exhibition, Representing Women: Gender and Portraiture in 17th-Century Europe.The digital exhibition answers the question “What can portraits reveal about their subjects?” through paintings and prints from the Norton Simon collections. “These women actively participated in shaping their own images, but their roles are often overlooked in favor of the male artists who depicted them.”
Women in Skateboarding: Past, Present and Future – Virtual Event
LAPL invites families to a special virtual event, Women in Skateboarding: Past, Present and Future, happening on Thursday, March 17th at 4:00 pm. “Los Angeles is home to the most incredible mix of women who have shaped skateboarding. Meet four trailblazing skaters who helped change the perception of what women in skateboarding mean and what the future of skating can look like.” The event will steam live on LAPL’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Celebrate Women’s History Month – LAPL Online
The Los Angeles Public Library System has a large number of resources available online to commemorate and celebrate Women’s History Month. You’ll find books (both fiction and nonfiction), photos, podcasts, and more. Also, be sure to check the website for more information about events happening at different branches.
National Women’s History Museum
The National Women’s History Museum offers a number of resources available to families. Explore online exhibitions, virtual story times, online exhibits, and much more.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
