NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The following free programs are being offered by the New Rochelle Public Library during Women’s History Month.
Presentation and Book-signing: Susan Ronald, author of A Dangerous Woman
Thursday, March 1, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Biographer Susan Ronald, whose previous works include the highly-praised Hitler’s Art Thief and Heretic Queen, will speak about her newly-released book, A DANGEROUS WOMAN: American Beauty, Noted Philanthropist, Nazi Collaborator—The Life of Florence Gould. Ms. Ronald will introduce us to millionaire socialite expatriate Florence Gould: part grifter, part arts patron, 100% self-invented American. Ms. Ronald’s gives us a meticulously-researched look at a complicated, seductive and utterly amoral woman operating in fraught political times. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Extraordinary Women Film Series: Girl From God’s Country: The History of Women in Film and Other War Stories
Thursday, March 15, 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Girl From God’s Country is the untold story of the first female independent filmmaker and action-adventure heroine, Nell Shipman (1892-1970), who left Hollywood to make her films in Idaho. An unadulterated, undiscovered adventure tale of a pioneering woman who rewrote the rules of filmmaking, and, in so doing, paved the way for independent voices–especially prominent female voices in today’s film industry. Featuring rare archival footage by early pioneers, including minority filmmakers, Zora Neale Hurston and Miriam Wong, the first Chinese-American filmmaker in 1914 and present day interviews, Girl From God’s Country reveals how gender-inequities perpetuate in today’s film industry. The 2016 film was directed by Karen Day. 2016 and the viewing is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and in partnership with Zonta Club New Rochelle.
League of Women Voters Coffee & Conversation: “Leading Suffragists of New Rochelle”
Friday, March 16, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Three of America’s most influential suffrage leaders had distinct ties to New Rochelle. In honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in New York State, New Rochelle’s city historian Barbara Davis will give an illustrated presentation on the courageous, brilliant women who fought the long battle to make this a reality. Complimentary coffee and light breakfast fare will be served. The public meeting, open to all, is held in the library’s first floor meeting room.
Classical Concert: Remarkable Female Composers
Sunday, March 18, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cellist Nelly Rocha and pianist Jessica Osborne perform an extraordinary concert featuring the classical works of women composers. The program features works by female composers of diverse nationalities and backgrounds who challenged the status quo, as actress Victoria Pollack relates in brief dramatic renderings between pieces. Although women were not allowed to study or pursue composition professionally during their lifetime, pioneers Maria Theresia von Paradis, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger, Nadia Boulanger, Rebecca Clarke, Henriette Bosmans, Ethel Smyth, Amy Beach and Florence Price were fueled by their love of music and a collective determination to overcome prejudice. Their music has stood the test of time. A donation of $2.00 is suggested at the door. This program is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library.
Extraordinary Women Film Series: Forbidden Voices: How to Start a Revolution with a Computer
Thursday, March 22, 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm
This film accompanies these brave young cyberfeminists on perilous journeys. Their voices are suppressed, prohibited and censored, but world-famous bloggers Yoani Sánchez, Zeng Jinyan and Farnaz Seifi are unafraid of their dictatorial regimes. These fearless women represent a new, networked generation of modern rebels in Cuba, China and Iran, shaking the foundations of the state information monopoly, putting them at great risk. Tracing each woman’s use of social media to denounce and combat violations of human rights and free speech in her home country, Forbidden Voices attests to the Internet’s potential for building international awareness and political pressure. The 2012 film was made by Barbara Miller and runs 96 minutes. The viewing is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and in partnership with Zonta Club New Rochelle.
Extraordinary Women Film Series: License to Thrive Title IX at 35
Thursday, March 29, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” License to Thrive is a smart and highly-entertaining exploration of the unique history of the Title IX legislation and its critical role during its first 35 years (and today!) in creating female leaders. From the classroom to the boardroom to the courtroom to the green room to the locker room, women are making their mark via the impact of Title IX. The 2008 film by Theresa Moore runs 48 minutes. The viewing is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and in partnership with Zonta Club New Rochelle.