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Best Ways To Celebrate Women's History Month In Chicago

This March, make plans to celebrate the accomplishments and changes women have made during National Women's History Month. And in Chicago, there are plenty of places to learn and become inspired by the contributions women have made to society. Although the events may not be specifically in honor of National Women's History Month, you can still use the opportunity to learn and celebrate what women are accomplishing. From literary discussions to art exhibits, here is what's planned in Chicago. For additional ideas, check out last year's article here.

Vivian Maier
(Photo Credit: chicagohistory.org)

Vivian Maier's Chicago
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-4600
www.chicagohistory.org

Date: Ongoing through 2017

In the ongoing exhibit "Vivian Maier's Chicago" at the Chicago History Museum, visitors can catch a glimpse of Chicago that isn't typically seen. Maier, who worked for years as a nanny, was also a photographer who captured stunning and striking images of the city of Chicago and the people who called it home. Maier also photographed scenes from everyday life all over the world, including New York City and France. The exhibit, which is open into 2017, has several of Maier's works available online via Chicago History Museum's Flickr page.

Toni Morrison's 'Beloved'
The Newberry
60 W. Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-9090
www.newberry.org

Date: April 2 - May 7, 2015

It's one thing to read Toni Morrison's acclaimed novel "Beloved," but it's another to discuss and analyze the work with other readers. In this six-session seminar that kicks off April 2, 2015, participants will discuss Morrison's literary techniques, as well as the historical context of the novel. Led by Linda Levine, the seminars are held at The Newberry from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in six sessions that wrap up on May 7, 2015. Participants can register online, and additional information regarding fees can be found on The Newberry's website. Although this event technically starts after National Women's History Month ends, it's still worth a look.

Munitions Factory
(Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Women Of World War
Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 383-8200
www.oppl.org

If you've ever wondered the roles women had in World War I, then the upcoming lecture by author Kathryn Atwood at Oak Park Public Library is for you. Held on March 19, 2015, starting at 7 p.m., the event includes stories from her book "Women Heroes of World War I." The discussion also includes information on the women's rights movement at that time. Participants can register in advance for the discussion, and copies of Atwood's book will be available for purchase.

Related: Best Chicago Places To Celebrate Women's History Month In 2014

Literary Festival: Regina Taylor
Lake Forest College
555 N. Sheridan Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3100
www.lakeforest.edu

Date: March 25, 2015

It's not every day that you can check out a staged reading of a play and meet the playwright at the same time, but through Lake Forest College's annual Literary Festival, you can. A staged reading of Regina Taylor's "stop.reset." is scheduled for March 25, 2015, at 7 p.m. at Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel, Middle Campus, and the free event is open to the public. Taylor's play will be performed at Goodman Theater from May 23 through June 21, 2015.

History Speaks: Juliette Kinzie
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St.
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 420-6010
www.napersettlement.org

Date: March 8, 2015

If you've ever wondered what life was like in the 19th century, then make plans to take a step back in time and see the History Speaks Lecture at Naper Settlement. On March 8, 2015, the lecture series will focus on the early pioneer Juliette Kinzie who lived in what was then the Northwest Territory. The writer is portrayed in the lecture series by actress Betsey Means, who has previously performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The lecture is held at the Century Memorial Chapel at 4 p.m., and tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for children.

Related: Best Free Winter Activities For Families In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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