Best Places And Events For Women's History In Miami
Every day might be Mother's Day, but the month of March roars in hosting Women's History Month nationwide. Think outside of the box and dig into the impact of women on the Magic City and the world. Activities abound to please every interest, so why not discover and honor women who have kicked in the glass ceiling?
The Women's History Gallery at Women's Park
10251 West Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
(305)-480-1717
www.miamidade.gov
Price: Free
Hours: Mon—8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tues—7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wed—8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thurs—9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fri—10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat to Sun—8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This 6,000 square foot facility dedicated to all the women of Miami-Dade County is an ideal way to spend a few hours or the entire day. The first such park in the United States, it was the dream of feminist and founder Roxcy O'Neal Bolton. It is a place where the contributions of women in Miami toward improving the community's quality of life could be forever honored. It offers space for meetings, exhibits, cultural events and shows, and even offers a children's playground and picnic pavilion.
24th Annual In the Company of Women Awards
Biltmore Hotel Miami
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Contact: Vivian Greer-Digon
(305) 480-1717
www.miamidade.gov
Date: March 21, 2012, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: $40 per person, open to the public
Want some elegance and scenery with your history? The incomparable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables hosts this annual fete for women of exceptional backgrounds. Begun in 1989, the In the Company of Women Awards was designed to recognize women from every ethnicity and profession who fearlessly blaze new trails within the community, and it is timed to coincide with Women's History Month. Past awardees include Latin salsa legend Celia Cruz, U.S. congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Frederica Wilson and Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, and Latin recording star Gloria Estefan.
History Miami Metromover Tours
101 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 375-1492
www.historymiami.org
Prices: vary, call ahead for specific times
Dates: March 16: City Tour will touch upon Miami pioneers Julia Tuttle and Mary Brickell as it wends its way from the Bayfront Fountain to the Miami Circle
March 25: Jewish Miami Coach Tour features Jewish women in Miami and Miami Beach, including Jessie Weiss from the world famous Joe's Stone Crabs
March 26: Hungry For History Tour: covers a variety of subjects, including Mrs. Burdine and her influence in the Burdines department store
Founded in 1940 and formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, History Miami is the institution dedicated to gathering, organizing, preserving and celebrating Miami's unique historical contributions throughout the U.S. and Americas.
Julia Tuttle Statue
Bayfront Park
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 358-7550
www.bayfrontparkmiami.com
Price: Free
Hours: Open to the public from dawn to dusk
Julia Tuttle is considered to be the only woman founder of a major city in the U.S. Nestled in the bosom of Miami's skyline, this brilliant bronze statue honors Tuttle and commemorates Miami with scenes from the city's incorporation in 1896 embroidered in Tuttle's skirt. Located right next to a playground, the kids can explore while mom and dad soak up the sun and the history.
Related: Best Museums In Miami
7th Annual Women's International Film & Arts Festival-South Florida
Coconut Grove, FL 33132
(305) 653-9700
www.womensfilmfest.com
Dates: March 28-April 1, 2012
Prices: Film Lover's Festival Pass, $199: gets you into all screenings and events except for the opening night gala and the closing night award ceremony. VIP Pass, $299: gains you access to everything including mingling with celebrities and opening and closing events
The Women's International Film and Arts Festival is one of only two festivals in the Southeast United States dedicated entirely to women. A staple of Women's History Month, it brings together women from around the world to create multicultural dialogue and celebrate the global influence of women on everything from fashion, film, and family to realizing their "dreams, visions, and voices." This year's festival will take place in a variety of locations and will discover "Women's Dreams, Visions and Voices" with five days of film, fashion shows, art, workshops, parties and more.
Glenn Osrin is a journalist and seasoned consumer products sales professional living in Miami, Florida. A new vegan, his most recent assignment is writing about the benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle while learning about the Miami vegan community. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
