March is Women’s History and Awareness Month, and to celebrate, Booth Library hosted an exhibit tributing American activist Jane Addams on Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m.   

The entrance outside of the room showed a variety of notable women that is in math and sciences such as Jane Goodall in anthropology, Rosalind Franklin in bio tech and Grace Murray Hopper in computer science.  

Booth Library’s Events and Exhibit Coordinator Diane Highland was there giving two of EIU’s library interns, junior English professional writing major Lauren Clark and senior English studies major Killeen Reidy, the opportunity to discuss the story of Addams.   

This event took place in the Booth Library’s West Reading Room on the 3000 level. The people there were served with refreshments and a documentary to look at.   

Gallery • 3 Photos

Koria Downs

The entrance of Booth Library has showcases of notable woman involved in math and sciences for Women’s History Month on March 13.

This exhibit is mainly focused on Addams, which includes a timeline of her life, books she wrote and photos of her in the moment. Addams is an American social activist, an advocate for women and the first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.   

She is best known for co-founding the Hull House in 1889 along with Ellen Gates Starr. During that time Addams and Starr were providing education and offering many other programs to the poor families and immigrants in the city of Chicago.  

Highland brought Clark and Reidy to show their presentation, documenting Addams life and accomplishments. While the presenting had been a success, Clark said the two faced a bit of an issue when putting it all together.  

“I struggled with getting the specific eight points in her history that I thought were important,” Clark said. “Most of the points that I chose had to do with the house itself. But everything she did was very impactful.” 

Addams felt inspired by a settlement house in London, and that’s how her building plans came about.   

Reidy said Addams’ work inspired others to create world peace and help the ones in need, which is why Reidy thinks Addams is important this month.   

“I think it’s important because it stands out as a piece of history of the community building,” Reidy said. “It’s good to talk about the care that she had for them in Illinois but more specifically in Chicago.” 

After the presentation was over, Highland put on a documentary video for people to watch. Looking at the documentary, Clark then spoke about the influence this movie has.  

“I think just knowing that she exists would inspire some who didn’t know her initially. We also have some special guests who have worked with her work,” Clark said.  

Clark shared some hope that Addams work will get passed on in the future, making sure that this piece of history isn’t forgotten.   

“Hopefully the next generation knows about her and looks up to her,” Clark said. “This might inspire them to continue sharing her legacy.” 

 The exhibit will remain up until March 31.

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.