ABOUT OUR SYMPOSIA
Marcel Proust, an early 20th century French novelist and essayist wrote, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” History, the discipline central to the Women’s History Symposium, gives us the opportunity to explore past events, to ask new questions, to discover, to see familiar landscapes with new eyes, to feel a sense of connection to those who came before us and to our contemporaries. It cultivates an understanding of and appreciation for the endless variety of ways in which diverse societies contribute to their societies.
Reflecting thoughtfully on the experiences of women from a variety of backgrounds, races and cultures, even if we do not agree with them, is fundamental to helping build a just and civil society.
Every two years the Arizona Women’s History Alliance organizes an all-day Arizona Women’s History Symposium. The Symposium is directed toward those outside of academia who are interested in learning about the contributions of Arizona women from all races and walks of life. Each woman represents our rich and diversified cultural, social, economic and political history. Each Symposium is built around a theme. Speakers and panels are made up of writers of history including academics, public historians and successful writers with a history avocation.
The Symposium fosters thoughtful and lively discussions on historical topics, engages participants by providing context, depth and perspective, weighing facts and considering different points of view. It encourages learning about how to research and write well the history of Arizona women and presents opportunities for reflection on the ways the past can give us insights into the present. Learning about the efforts, struggles, victories and defeats of our predecessors, exploring the issues they fought for and understanding the ways in which those efforts have influenced the present are legacies that can touch both the intellect and the heart of those who participate in the Symposium. Throughout the day participants explore our shared human experiences through discussion, learning and reflection.
Reflecting thoughtfully on the experiences of women from a variety of backgrounds, races and cultures, even if we do not agree with them, is fundamental to helping build a just and civil society.
DOWNLOADS
Learn more about past symposium by downloading the resources below.
2021 Symposium
If you missed the 2021 Symposium, watch both days of the event below.
