Nebraska Humanities Council speakers to appear at UNMC on March 6

“Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History” will honor women in Nebraska & the west

(Omaha) – Speakers Deb Carpenter-Nolting and Lyn Messersmith will present, Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History, on March 6 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus as part of its recognition of Women’s History Month.

The presentation, from noon – 1 p.m. at the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater, is made possible by the Nebraska Humanities Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and the UNMC Diversity Lectures and Cultural Arts Series. It is free and open to the public.

Whether through intent or circumstance, women have changed history by stepping out of place. Often shunned by family and society, these women – with ties to Nebraska and the west – are given their due in an upcoming Women’s History event.

“We want to encourage the audience to think about history in a different way,” said Carpenter-Nolting. “Sometimes we are called to stand up for ourselves or follow our hearts even when it is not approved of by society.”

Through stories, songs and poetry, Carpenter-Nolting and Messersmith will highlight several creative, historical women like:

 

  • Ann Eliza Young, Brigham Young’s 19th wife, who was instrumental in getting polygamy outlawed;
  • Tad Lucas, lady bronco rider, who was the only person inducted into all three Cowboy Halls of Fame;
  • Pearl Hart, the only woman stage coach robber in Arizona; and
  • Mari Sandoz, Nebraska author who wrote about the harsh realities of the west.

Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Nebraska Humanities Council speakers bureau. The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation.

Speakers are available to any non-profit organization in Nebraska. Each program lasts 30 minutes to one hour, plus a question-and-answer period.

The most frequent users of the NHC speakers bureau are primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums and historical societies, agencies for the elderly, rural organizations, churches, arts organizations and ethnic organizations. The National Endowment for the Humanities ranks the NHC speakers bureau as the largest such program in the U.S.

For information detailing the available speakers and guidelines for booking them, please visit the NHC website or contact the NHC at 402.474.2131, nhc@nebraskahumanities.org.

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.