From Ida B. Wells to Michelle Obama, Jane Addams to Jennifer Weiss, Chicago shares its legacy with dynamic and diverse women.
In celebration of those achievements and International Women’s Day, woman-owned Chicago Detours is hosting “Badass Women of History” — a live and interactive virtual experience that highlights female groundbreakers with Windy City ties.
The hour-long Zoom event invites guests to learn about sculptor Enid Yandell and the 1893 World’s Fair; Bessie Coleman, the first African-American and Native-American woman with a pilot license; Iva Toguri D’Aquino and her role in World War II; Maria Tallchief, America’s first Native American prima ballerina; and cognitive psychologist, neuroscientist, author, and founder of American Women in Psychology Naomi Weisstein; among others.
Participants can chat with the host and each other as they compete in trivia games and a haiku-writing contest. Audience members may also volunteer to act in a scene as real figures from history.
“Badass Women of History” takes place on Monday, March 8 at 6 p.m., Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m., and Saturday, March 27 at 1p.m. Click here for tickets ($20 per individual; $35 per household up to four people). Guests may also purchase the 52-page “Badass Women of History” notebook, which includes illustrations of inspiring female figures, short biographies of each woman, and inspirational quotes. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Chicago Foundation for Women’s South Side Giving Circle. To order, visit Store.ChicagoDetours.com.
Also on International Women’s Day, The Driehaus Museum welcomes Jane Addams to its historical confines. That is, actress Betsey Means will perform “Democracy in America: A Social Gathering with Jane Addams” at noon on March 8.
Considered a pioneer in the field of modern social work, Addams was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. At the time of her death in 1935, she was the most well-known female public figure in the United States.
From its founding, Addams worked at Chicago’s Hull-House, where she advocated for the underprivileged and oppressed. As an activist, reformer, sociologist, public administrator and author, she fought for the rights of workers, women, and children. For more information about this special event, and for the museum’s new hours, visit DriehausMuseum.org.
When visiting Roscoe Village, those seeking comfort from pain, stress and anxiety are invited to experience the Victorian vibe and Cannabidiol items at Cubbington’s Cabinet. The woman-owned apothecary boutique offers various CBD products (vegan and organic) for both people and pets.
“As a CBD consumer, I was searching for a trustworthy and reliable source for the products I was using and giving to my pets. I discovered the industry is populated by far too many shadowy conglomerates and unscrupulous players out to make a quick buck. We set out to disrupt the status quo by providing exceptional products that are carefully sourced, thoroughly researched, rigorously tested, and have a great sense of style. This includes our own line as well as products from similarly disciplined companies led by women, BIPOC, and other historically marginalized people,” explains shop owner Dr. Jennifer Weiss, who welcomes patrons with the help of her Brand AmbassaDog Cubbington.
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Top image: Jane Addams talks to Hull House visitors in 1935; Courtesy of the National Archives/National Historical Publications and Records Commission
Bottom image: Courtesy of Cubbington’s Cabinet