Women's History Month

Celebrate with events and stories about women—past and present—that have shaped the Field and natural sciences.

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.

View schedule

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

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.

See details

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.

Women's History Month Scavenger Hunt

As you explore the Museum, discover the impact women in science have made with our scavenger hunt. Download below or pick up a copy as you enter the Museum.  English        Spanish