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By William P. O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds
Women's History Month is celebrated in March to acknowledge the vital contributions and significance of women in our society. Recognizing the achievements of women throughout history is essential in understanding the nation we live in today.
The observance of Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a week-long celebration to coincide with International Women’s Day in Santa Rosa, California. The movement gained widespread support, leading to its national recognition. By 1980, women's organizations and historians successfully lobbied for a national celebration. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation establishing March 8th as National Women's History Week. Each president continued this tradition until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as "Women’s History Month." Since 1995, every president has issued an annual proclamation designating March as "Women’s History Month."
Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme. This year's theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” inspired me to share the remarkable stories of five women who have left an indelible mark on our history.
Mary Pratt, from Quincy, was a remarkable female baseball player. She played as a pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1943 to 1947. Pratt was known for her exceptional skills on the mound, and she pitched a no-hitter in 1944. Her contributions to women's baseball helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes. After her baseball career, Pratt continued to inspire others as an educator and coach, advocating for the advancement of women in sports.
.The stories of athletes like Mary Pratt are often brought to life through the lens of dedicated journalists who capture their achievements.
Jackie MacMullan, born in Westwood, is a renowned sports journalist and author. Throughout her career spanning from 1982 to 2021, she has broken barriers in the male-dominated field of sports journalism. MacMullan's insightful reporting and storytelling have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Her work has paved the way for future generations of women in sports media.
Education has always been a cornerstone of societal progress, and it plays a crucial role in shaping future generations.
Bathsheba Benedict was a pioneer in education and the benefactress of Benedict College. Born Bathsheba Adams Barber in Bellingham, Massachusetts, in 1809, she married Stephen Benedict, a banker, mill owner, Baptist church deacon, and early abolitionist from Pawtucket, in 1830. After her husband’s death in 1868, Bathsheba used proceeds from his insurance policy and estate, along with a donation from her brother-in-law, to coordinate a donation of several thousand dollars to the American Baptist Home Mission Society. This donation helped start a Baptist school for freed slaves in the South. Bathsheba Benedict's contribution laid the foundation for what would become Benedict College, established in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1870.
Bathsheba Benedict's legacy extends into the realm of civil rights and social activism, where another trailblazer, Florida Ruffin Ridley, made significant strides.
Florida Ruffin Ridley, born in 1861, was an African American civil rights activist, suffragist, and writer from Brookline. She was one of the first African American teachers in the Boston Public Schools and co-founded the Woman's Era Club, one of the first African American women's clubs in the United States. Ridley used her writing to advocate for racial equality and women's rights, contributing to publications such as the "Woman's Era" newspaper. Her efforts in advancing civil rights and women's suffrage left a lasting impact on society. In November 2019 the Brookline Town Meeting voted to rename the Coolidge Corner School as the Florida Ruffin Ridley School.
The drive to improve lives and inspire change is also evident in the field of public health and nutrition, as demonstrated by Charlotte Barrell Ware's pioneering work.
Charlotte Barrell Ware, born in 1868, was a pioneering figure in the dairy industry who developed protocols for producing and bottling the healthiest milk available at the time. the innovative methods in dairy farming she taught at the Warelands Dairy School located in the town of Norfolk set new standards for quality and safety, benefiting countless families and communities. Ware's commitment to improving public health and nutrition was evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence. She advocated for better sanitation practices in milk production, which significantly reduced the incidence of milk-borne illnesses. Ware's legacy lives on through the continued emphasis on food safety and quality in the dairy industry.
These women have had a profound influence on various fields: Bathsheba Benedict in education, Florida Ruffin Ridley in civil rights and suffrage, Charlotte Barrell Ware in science and public health, Mary Pratt in sports, and Jackie MacMullan in journalism. Their pioneering efforts and dedication have not only advanced their respective fields but also inspired countless individuals to follow in their footsteps, demonstrating the power of resilience, innovation, and excellence.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us recognize and honor the achievements of these extraordinary women. Their contributions have shaped our society and continue to inspire us today. Our communities, nation, and world are better because of the impact these women have made.
