Aces Honor Progressive Era Trailblazers in Women’s History Month Gallery Walk

March Madness made its way into the classroom at Lower Merion High School, where students in Mr. Henneberry’s classes took part in a lively, tournament-style project celebrating Women’s History Month. Blending research, creativity and a bit of friendly competition, the project spotlighted influential female reformers, muckraking journalists, labor leaders and activists whose work helped shape the late Gilded Age and Progressive Era.

Using the LMHS library’s extensive database collection, students worked in small groups to research trailblazing women who fought for social change. From there, they transformed what they learned into a wide range of creative presentations, including short podcasts, thoughtful haikus and informative posters. Many groups also incorporated 3-D printed objects tied to their historical figure, created in the LMHS Library Makerspace, while some designed campaign-style buttons to win support for their chosen change-maker. Some of the women featured were Jane Addams, Ida B. Wells, Jovita Idar, Florence Kelly, Rose Schneiderman, Mary McLeod Bethune and Zitkala-Ša, just to name a few.

The top-performing groups then advanced to a final round that pushed their creativity even further. Students brought history to life through interpretive dances, skits and rap battles, each one offering a memorable tribute to the woman they had studied.

Now, the results of that work are on display for the entire school community as part of a special Women’s History Month Gallery Walk in the LMHS Library. On Friday, March 14, participating students were on hand to share their research and answer questions from classmates and staff.

The exhibit, Trailblazing Women of the Progressive Era, will remain on display through the end of March. Stop by to explore the gallery and the collection of related books curated by Library Media Specialist Kerry Smith to learn more about the women whose voices, vision and determination helped change history.