March is Women's History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in history. Throughout March, hear from Field staff and guest speakers in-person and online about their experiences and contributions to the sciences. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter where we’ll be featuring the achievements of women in science at the Field Museum, and their diverse areas of research, paths to working in science and related careers, and their advice for future scientists.
Featured story
Delia "Mickie" Akeley (1875-1970), wife of Field Museum taxidermist Carl Akeley. (Carl Akeley pioneered the techniques used to create the Museum's famous animal dioramas.) Delia's accomplishments include discovering a new species of antelope and bird, crossing the then unexplored desert country between Kenya's Tana River and Ethiopia by camel caravan, exploring the Tana River from the Indian Ocean in a dugout canoe, and living for many months with the pygmies in the Ituri Forest in northeastern Zaire. Delia, an expert markswoman, also is renowned for felling the larger of the two African elephants (the one with two tusks) on display in the Field Museum's Stanley Field Hall.
Featured events
Meet a Scientist
Engage with Field Museum staff in a variety of roles as they share their work and items from the collection. Meet A Scientist happens in-person in the Grainger Science Hub.
This month's Meet a Scientist sessions are held in conjunction with the Field Museum’s Women’s History Month programming and Field Museum Women in Science.
PlayLab Story Time
On Wednesday, March 5, come hang out in the PlayLab for this interactive read-aloud with Dr. Jingmai O’Connor, a punk-rock paleontologist and the Field Museum’s Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles— aka the dinosaur expert.
Shop featured items online
Celebrate Women’s History with special merchandise, books, and toys. All purchases help support the Field’s work.
Women and Girls in STEM
The best way to overcome bias in the sciences is to create opportunities for everyone to feel welcomed. If you know of someone who is—or you yourself are—interested in natural history and the sciences, here are some ways to get involved.
Join Women in Science
This group is open to everyone! Members of Field Museum Women In Science are committed to promoting the work of women and minority scientists at every stage of their academic and professional careers to encourage diversity in the workforce and innovation in the sciences.
Women in Science Internships
High school and undergraduate students work a paid summer internship in departments throughout the museum. They gain knowledge and experience in the sciences by engaging in collections-based research and communicating science to a broader community.
Teen Programs
Our youth programs connect kids ages 11-18 to natural history and world cultures while helping them prepare for college and careers in STEM. Teens can get their hands dirty or deep in digital media, depending on their interests.
Spotlighting our Staff
Women in Science: Lesley de Souza, Conservation Biologist
Tomorrow's Leaders Start Here
Women in Science: Akiko Shinya, Fossil Preparator
Women in Science and Art: Rebecca Banasiak, Mammals Collections Assistant and Preparator
The Changing Face of Science: Lynika Strozier
The Changing Face of Science: Janet Voight
The Changing Face of Science: Jingmai O'Connor
Acknowledgments
Women’s History Month is supported by the Field Museum Women’s Board.
Thank you to all the Field Museum staff who helped organize Women’s History Month programming.