At the end of February, 2023, the board of supervisors passed a resolution declaring March 2023 Nevada County Women’s History Month. Women have been a vital component in Nevada County history and creation of community, business and cultural life in Nevada County. Ellen Clark Sargent played a key role in bringing women the right to vote through her tireless work with Susan B. Anthony and other suffrage organizations. In 1901, Sarah Kidder assumed control and became president of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad located in Grass Valley, California, becoming the first woman in the world to run a railroad. And Lola Montez, Lotta Crabtree, Emma Nevada and others brought a level of culture and performing arts to Nevada County.
American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own right to vote and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and the peace movement.
Nevada County Women’s History Month will include programs, ceremonies, and activities conducted, in part, at the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, including a “Kidder Wing” exhibit, tours, talks and a short film produced by Nevada Union High School students, “Who Is Sarah Kidder,” a film project made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
March 18, 2023
11:30 am: Join Nevada County Landmarks Commissioners Elinor Barnes and Bernie Zimmerman for a presentation on Sarah Kidder and other prominent women in Nevada County's storied history.
12:30 pm: Who Is Sarah Kidder Video Premier
A 15-minute game show introduction to “Who Is Sarah Kidder?” produced by the Nevada Union High School Broadcast Club in collaboration with Nevada County Media
March 24, 2023
2:00 pm: Women in History Talk with Associate Professor of Women's History at Sierra College, Megan White
2:45 pm: Who Is Sarah Kidder Video Screening
A 15-minute game show introduction to “Who Is Sarah Kidder?” produced by the Nevada Union High School Broadcast Club in collaboration with Nevada County Media
March 25, 2023
11:30 am: Speaker Presentation and book signing with “Iron Women” New York Times best-selling author, Chris Enss.
Saturdays from March 11 to June 17, 2023
Enjoy the Kidder Wing Exhibit and a self-discovery 10-minute game show introduction to “Who Is Sarah Kidder?” along with Railbus tours from 9:40 am to 2:40 pm.
“Who Is Sarah Kidder?” is made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.calhum.org. Special thanks to Nevada Union High School, Nevada County Historical Society, Nevada County Media, Nevada County Landmarks Commission, and the many community members who are supporting these events. Event creation and management by Pamela Biery.
