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March is Women's History Month! Mercer County draws strength and inspiration from women who came before us, and the remarkable women working among us today. They are part of our story, and a truly balanced and inclusive history recognizes how important women have always been in American society.
Meta Griffith, July 20, 1909 – Sept. 30, 2010
William and Meta Griffith formed Griffith Electric Supply Co., Inc. in 1938 in the City of Trenton, and the company prospered and grew for 33 years under their leadership. In 1971 Bill Griffith passed away, leaving Meta to guide the company. Meta had been his business partner from the beginning and became chairman of the board and president. Though her major responsibility was the financial structure of the company, she served in practically every other phase of the day-to-day operation of the business, including counter sales. An unwavering advocate for the City of Trenton, Meta stayed strong in her determination to have the business remain in the city. Griffith Electric employees grew from the original trio to more than 55 people, with hundreds of others who came and went through the years. In addition to running the business, Meta was untiring in her willingness to serve to help others, from industry and community affiliations to charitable organizations, many devoted to assisting children. She was named the first woman to sit on the board of directors for the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce in 1974, and in 1983 was elected as the first woman president of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. Other leadership roles and awards include Mercer County Chamber of Commerce: "Citizen of the Year"; George Washington Council of the Boy Scouts of America: "Good Guy" Award; College of New Jersey: Lifetime Achievement Award; Girl Scouts of Delaware-Raritan, Inc.: Juliette Low Excellence in Leadership; Women of Distinction - honorary chair; People to People International: Lifetime Achievement Recognition Award; Children's Home Society of NJ: Friend of Children Award, and in 2008 Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer dedicated a section of Second Street in Trenton, "Meta A. Griffith Way." Meta lived her life with determination and humor, forging new paths for women throughout her career.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Talk on establishing the local African American Museum by the authors of "If These Stones Could Talk."
March 8, 3 p.m. Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck - Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, 1867 Sanctuary Arts and Culture Center, 101 Scotch Road, Ewing. (609) 392-6409 | 1867sanctuary.org
Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Central Role in the Fight for Woman Suffrage
March 9, 7 p.m., Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing. (609) 882-3148 mcl.org. Carol Levin will portray Lillian Feickert, who was president of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association from 1912-1920 and will explore the overlooked role of New Jersey in the long, frustrating fight for women’s suffrage. Hear stories of suffrage advocates Lucy Stone, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and how Dr. Florence Spearing Randolph brought black women into the movement. Participants will learn that women were not “given” the vote but fought for it for generations. This program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration required. Call 609-882-3148.
Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote – Pop-up Exhibit
March 13-27, William Trent House, 15 Market St., Trenton, William Trent House; (609) 989-3027 | williamtrenthouse.org.
Feminism through the Decades: Women’s Suffrage to #MeToo
Monday, March 16, 7 to 8 p.m., Hickory Corner Branch Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor, NJ 08520; 609-448-1330; register online at www.mcl.org or call 609-448-0957. Feminism isn’t about burning bras—it’s about equality. Celebrate Women’s History Month by taking a look back at how the United States’ past three women’s movements paved the way for today’s feminist movement. Presented by local journalist Colleen Murphy, graduate of TCNJ’s Women in Learning & Leadership, and Women’s & Gender Studies programs (2016). Sponsored by the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library.
Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Central Role in the Fight for Women’s Suffrage
March 26, 7 p.m., Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. (609) 883-8294. mcl.org. Join popular historical interpreter and re-enactor Carol Simon Levin in this presentation celebrating Women’s History Month and the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution (1920) giving men and women the equal right to vote. The program is sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Registration is suggested. Call 609-883-8294 or e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org.
An Evening with a Titanic Survivor
March 26, 7 p.m., Mercer County Library, Robbinsville Branch, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. (609) 259-2150. mcl.org. Fictional survivor Eliza Blackwell Dupree will tell you all about the tragic night the Titanic sunk, debunk some popular myths, and allow you to feel like you were really there! Portrayed by Alisa Dupuy, from Ladies of History Historical Productions. Registration is required.
Independence: The True Story of Dr. Mary Walker
March 28, 8 p.m., Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood Ave., Hopewell. (609) 466-1964. hopewelltheater.com. One-woman play about the Civil War surgeon and Congressional Medal of Honor winner.
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