For 2021, Women’s History Month will continue 2020’s centennial celebration of women’s suffrage. Honor this momentous occasion by taking a deep dive into these women founded and focused local attractions, organizations and events. 

Local Attractions

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau put together this list of local attractions established by women. Their historic vision and effort offer unique experiences to Little Rock families. 

Museum of Discovery

The MOD is considered Arkansas’ oldest museum, thanks to Ms. Bernie Babcock. She established the Museum of Natural History & Antiquities in 1927. After relocating her unique collection several times, it found a home in what we now call the Museum of Discovery. 

NOTE: This family favorite is currently closed due to flooding caused by pipe damage during our recent inclement weather. You can stay up to date with their repair process here and donate to support repairs here. We can’t wait for this local favorite to re-open their doors! With over 90 interactive exhibits, it is a perfect place to spend the day as a family. 

Historic Arkansas Museum 

Little Rock families can visit HAM thanks to the efforts of Louise Loughborough. In the 1930s, she appealed to the Arkansas legislature to save and restore the historic buildings of Block 32. Today HAM allows visitors to step back in time, right in the heart of the capital city.  

Keep up with events and more by connecting with the museum online. 

ESSE Purse Museum 

The ESSE Purse Museum is a recent addition to the city’s cultural heritage. One of only three purse museums in the world, ESSE is an expression of founder Anita Davis’ dream of exploring concepts of art, history and the feminine — all through the contents of what a woman carries in her bag. 

Families can visit Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and kids 6 and under are free. 

Local Organizations

The Arkansas Women’s History Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 to encourage the study of Arkansas women’s history and to promote public awareness of the contributions women have made in the development of our state. Check out their resources and upcoming events here. 

Girl Scout - Diamonds Events 

Girl Scout - Diamonds, the metro’s local Girl Scout organization, partnered with the Clinton Presidential Library to help girls celebrate the women’s suffrage centennial. Check out these virtual events for your girl! 

Suffrage Centennial – “The Woman’s Hour”

Girls are invited to participate in a conversation with author Elaine Weiss about her book "The Woman's Hour" (Adapted for Young Readers). The event will also include a virtual tour of the Belmont Paul Women's Equality National Monument, plus discussion of the "Imagery & Irony: The Fight for Women's Suffrage Through the Political Cartoons of Nina Allender" exhibit at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and the upcoming "Women's Voices, Women's Votes, Women's Rights" exhibit at the Clinton Presidential Library. Registered Junior - Ambassador level participants will receive a copy of the book in advance of the session. 

When: Mar. 9 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: Virtual Event | Register by 2.26 here Ages: 9-18 More information: Event details | bhutchison@girlscoutsdiamonds.org 

Suffrage Centennial – “Women Making History”

Participants will receive a copy of "Women Making History: The 19th Amendment" (Official National Park Service Handbook), take a virtual tour of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and discuss voting rights and the modern civil rights movement. The Arkansas State Capitol education department will provide a demonstration on how to register and vote, plus lead a discussion of the upcoming "Women's Voices, Women's Votes, Women's Rights" exhibit at the Clinton Presidential Library.

When: Mar. 16 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: Virtual Event | Register by Marl 5 here Ages: 11-18 More information: Event details | bhutchison@girlscoutsdiamonds.org 

Books to Read

This must-read list compiled by Read Across America features books starring trailblazing girls and women.