”From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
—From President Jimmy Carter’s Message designating March 2–8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week

Originating in early 20th-century labor movements in North America and spurred on by the universal female suffrage movement, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911. 

One hundred years later, on the anniversary of that event, President Barack Obama continued the decades-long U.S. tradition of proclaiming March 2011 to be Women’s History Month.

At Nashville Public Library, our collections overflow with stories and accounts surrounding women’s pivotal roles in society. 

And we’re proud to house the Votes for Women interactive exhibit; it stands as a year-round reminder to our community of the important and often-unacknowledged contributions women of all experiences have always made to history.

Happy Women's History Month, Nashville. Discover some herstory that's new to you.

see all women's history events

New Releases for 2025

One of NPL's book selection experts, Beth D., curated this list of the latest titles to shine a light on women's history.

Women's History for Kids: Read All About Her!

Miss Terri of the Green Hills branch put together this list of famous, amazing women from all walks of life.

HERStory

Memoirs of great women — with selections for readers of any age.