Today in Lansing: Conversation and cocoa with guest speaker Valerie Marvin

Valerie Marvin

6 to 7 p.m.

Michigan Women Forward

105 W. Allegan St. Ste. 10, Lansing

Click here for event page

THURSDAY, Jan. 10 — As part of its Winter Speaker Series, Michigan Women Forward (formerly the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame) will host Michigan state historian Valerie Marvin for a talk about early Michigan women in state service.

With cocoa and cookies provided, there will be a Q and A session after the 45 minute presentation.

“People will get to learn about women who have been in their own hometown; who lead the way with politics and women’s history that have been overlooked in exhibits and readings,” lead guest assistant Riley Hubbard said.

The presentation includes a focus on Harriet Penny, the first Michigan female state librarian, Eva McCall Hamilton, the first female legislator and Cora Reynolds Anderson, the first Native American legislator.

Detroit-based Michigan Women’s Foundation acquired the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame last year along with the Michigan Women’s Historical Center. The three groups rebranded to be Michigan Women Forward, the host of the event.

With this merger, the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame moved its headquarters from the Meridian Mall to a new building in downtown Lansing on Allegan Street next to Grand Traverse Pie Co.

Aside from the event, Michigan Women Forward is hosting its inaugural exhibit on women in the STEM field throughout January.

It features Mackinac Bridge engineer Julie Neph and chief engineer Kim Nowack, Hubbard said.

“I hope this shows a greater understanding of STEM and that it is not a man’s world only. It is meant for women as well. There is currently a high drop off rate in STEM fields.”

The merger will enhance the strength of the Women’s movement in Michigan and preserve elements of the former Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, Hubbard added.

“Our outreach is a lot larger with Michigan Women Forward. We are able to access more women and share the stories of women who've come before.”

For more information, visit www.michiganwomenshalloffame.org/home.aspx

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