March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a wonderful time to delve into some of the previously untold history of the women of our world.

Did you know that recent archaeological discoveries in the Americas have turned the ‘Man the Hunter’ assumption on its head? Or that the legend of the Amazon warriors is based on more than myth? It may be a good time to remember that what many consider to be the first modern novel, The Tale of Genji was written by a woman in 11th Century Japan.

The history most of us learned in school was focused primarily on a narrow and privileged class of men and left the vast majority of people present out of its telling. But we are an inquisitive species by nature, and our understanding of the past is changing all the time. A growing number of researchers and thinkers from historically-excluded groups is also helping to widen that lens.

The contributions of women around the globe is a part of our everyday history-in-the-making right now. To read recent accounts of the past in honor of Women’s History Month, check out History Books By & About Women. For ebook options on Overdrive, try Celebrating Women's History. The more you know, the more knowledge you can share with the next generation of history-makers.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate Women’s History with the young people in your life, here are a few ideas.

• Read a picture book about Inspiring BIPOC Women or Women in the Arts and Sciences, or choose a book of your own!
• Watch a documentary or biopic about a woman or a group of women.
• Visit a museum or historical site dedicated to women’s history in your hometown. For ideas here in our city, explore this list of Things to Do for Women’s History Month from Visit Philly.
• Tell stories about the women in your own family. If they are still living, you might write down a few questions to ask them. What did they love to do? What mattered to them? What historical moments did they witness? What did they overcome?
• Make up the title of an unwritten women’s history book you’d like to see on the shelves. Draw the cover art.

Wishing you a wonderful Women’s History Month from Youth Services of the Free Library! How do you celebrate? Let us know in the comments below.