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
Margery C. Carlson (1892-1985), Field Museum botanist and expeditioner, traveled through Mexico and Central America to discover and catalog various plant species with her partner Kate Staley. Traveling the dense jungle terrain by jeep, airplane, ox, and on foot, she discovered many new plant species and collected thousands of plants. She was the first lead female expeditioner to ever travel to the mountains of El Salvador for a scientific project. She was also a pioneer in conservation and founded the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy and the national Conservancy to preserve the natural areas in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Featured events
Professional seminars
Dr. Jingmai O’Connor will launch Women’s History Month on March 1 with an exciting talk about her work and path to becoming a woman in science.
Armour seminars are free to attend and take place each Wednesday at noon. Please register in advance.
Media
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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. * See the lineup
A woman stands at a table with museum specimens as she holds a specimen jar as she gives a presentation.
PlayLab Story Time
On March 12, join us in the Crown Family PlayLab as Dr. Lesley de Souza leads story time with a book about women in science. She will share from her experience in the field and specimens that she works with at the Field Museum.
A group of young children sit on the floor listening to a woman read to them. Most everyone in the photo are wearing matching bright yellow t-shirts.
© © 2012 The Field Museum
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.
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.