Today is International Women's Day, and what better way to celebrate than to recognize the amazing founding women of Mass Audubon.
In the late 1800s, Harriet Lawrence Hemenway and Minna B. Hall learned the graphic details of the latest fashion trend: hats adorned with dead birds and feathers. Over tea on a cold January day, the two launched a campaign to convince other women to forgo the trend of wearing birds for fashion, and in doing so, take on the multinational millinery industry. They set out on a series of tea parties, convincing other women to join their cause.
They brought together prominent women and renowned ornithologists to launch the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896.
Hall served on the organization’s Board of Directors for more than 50 years, and Hemenway first served as a Vice President, before joining its Board, where she served for 16 years. Their legacy lives on today, where Mass Audubon continues to protect the birds, wildlife, and landscape of Massachusetts for all.
Today, women continue their legacy to drive forward the important work of Mass Audubon as scientists, educators, naturalists, stewards, and so much more.
Learn more about our dedicated and inspiring founders: https://lnkd.in/eJ_2Rz2b
1. Minna Hall courtesy of the Friends of Hall’s Pond
2. Young Harriet Hemenway