Society seeks nominees for Women's History Remembering Project

GARDNERVILLE - Do you know a woman who you think should be remembered for something special?

To celebrate Women's History Week in March 2000, The Carson Valley Historical Society is collecting the names and short biographies of valley women to be entered in the Women's History Remembering Project.

"It could be anyone," said project chair Peggy Knox. "A teacher, a minister, a mother, a cousin, a sister. It could be anyone you care about. The idea is not somebody who has done something earth-shattering. It could be somebody who's done something important for you."

The nominees will be honored with a ceremony March 5, 2000, with a reception at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center in Gardnerville.

The ceremony will follow the opening of the women's history exhibit, "Nevada Women on the Road to Change, 1890-1920."

The goal of the historical society project, according to Knox, is to archive the names of hundreds of 20th century Carson Valley women and their stories of commonplace integrity and daily courage. The stories will be available for research at the museum's library.

The names will also be shared with the Nevada Women's History Project, which was started by the late Jean Ford and is based in Reno.

According to society spokesperson Liz Paul, there are thousands of ordinary women who contribute their special talents and affect the lives of others.

"How long will they be remembered unless this information is recorded for future generations?" she said.

A form can be picked up at the museum which suggests some questions about nominated women that the nominating person may answer. Any other information may be added, Paul said.

The basic information being sought includes:

-- The name of the woman (maiden, married and perhaps married again).

-- When and where born.

-- If deceased, when and where.

-- If the woman was not born in the Carson Valley, when and why she moved here.

-- Other significant dates in her life.

-- Why she is being nominated.

-- Her major accomplishments.

The nominated person should include his or her name, address and phone number for verification.

The Nevada Women's History Project is dedicated to archiving information, photos and artifacts about the roles and contributions of Nevada women. The information may be used for educational research and for exhibits in museums and galleries.

Brochures and membership applications to the statewide Nevada Women's History Project are available at the museum.

The project is a state-wide, non-profit organization and is a delegate agency to the Nevada Women's Fund.

Nominations should be mailed to Women's History Remembering Project, Attention Peggy Knox, Carson Valley Historical Society, 1477 Highway 395, Gardnerville 89410.

For information, call 783-9301.