News Release

Keweenaw NHP Receives Women in Parks Grant

Date: August 20, 2020
Contact: Wyndeth Davis, Park Superintendent, 906-483-3020

(Calumet, MI) To commemorate the centennial of the 19th amendment, which prohibited states from denying the vote on the basis of sex, and recognize centuries of under recognized sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. made by women, including Black women, Indigenous women and all women of color, the National Park Foundation (NPF) announced more than 20 inaugural grants through its Women in Parks initiative. These grants will fund projects highlighting women’s stories at national parks across the country, including Keweenaw National Historical Park.  

Keweenaw NHP was one of the parks that received funding for its research project to see if participation in the strike translated into the fight for the vote. The research will look at the nature of women’s political activity in the Copper Country, and shed light on how gender, class—as well as ethnicity and immigration status—may have influenced women’s labor activism and political identities. The study is being undertaken by Dr. Shannon Kirkwood, who recently completed her PhD in history from Central Michigan University.  

“The National Park Foundation’s support is crucial to this project,” said park historian Jo Holt. “It’s enabling us to explore new questions about how the strike engaged women in politics, and to see how ethnicity and class may have influenced women’s interest in suffrage and politics. These are important questions that haven’t been investigated as much as they should be.” When complete, the research will help create new exhibits and educational programs for visitors and students.     

NPF’s Women in Parks initiative is inspired by the National Park Service’s commemoration for the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the bipartisan Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission (S.847). Launched in June 2019, Women in Parks is part of the NPF’s ongoing efforts to help expand the stories and perspectives shared through national parks. The initiative will continue throughout 2020 and beyond. 

“The centennial of the 19th Amendment is an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen knowledge, research and outreach efforts related to the impact of women in all aspects of U.S. history,” said Margaret Everson, Counselor to the Secretary, exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service Director. “This partnership will enable national parks to tell a more complete and compelling story of the history of our nation.” 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.