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The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) web site is full of information pertaining to the history of women. Information is provided to teachers, students, parents, and basically any individual interested in becoming more aware of and appreciating the role women have played in American history. As the NWHP states, one of their continuing goals is “to ‘make history’ accurate by continuing to recognize and celebrate women’s authentic contributions.” This particular goal is being accomplished by the NWHP organization in a variety of ways: • Through organizing and publicizing various women’s history events; • By providing training, curriculum, and support to educators; • By providing links to numerous resources, for research purposes or to find other related information. While reading the brief history of this organization’s formation, I quickly realized this web site is a reliable and credible source for information. Five women with the intent to “broadcast the achievement of women” founded the NWHP organization in 1980. The NWHP’s first major contribution to women was in leading the “coalition that successfully lobbied Congress to designate March as National Women’s History Month,” which is now nationally recognized and celebrated. Also, through this web site the NWHP recognizes the accomplishments of women of various nationalities, including: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American/Hawaiian, Jewish American, Arab American, and British American. At first glance, I found the site to be aesthetically pleasing. Personally, I do not like a lot of fluff and distractions or bells and whistles. This web site, however, is tasteful, classy, and well organized. I really enjoyed the picture included on every page, as you moved your mouse pointer over the picture it revealed a “blurb” about the individual. Also, located along the left panel is a quote, which is usually a statement from the individual pictured on that particular page. As I browsed through the site, what impressed me most was that the NWHP’s contact information is practically on every page you visit. In the past, I have been to web sites in which the contact information must have been some deep dark secret that was almost impossible to uncover. Navigating through the NWHP Web site is also very easy. Not only are there clearly defined tabs at the top of the page, but also the user-friendly site map and frequently asked questions page supply the visitor with ample information to aid in their search. This site contains everything from local and national events, to a learning section, an online catalog, and links for other organizations whose focus is on women’s history. Overall, I found this web site extremely important to the issues of gender and women’s history. As the site states, “for girls, knowing women’s achievements expands their sense of what is possible.” The NWHP site would be very useful to any and all individuals interested in the subject of women’s history. Sharon DeSouza
April 22, 2004 |