Celebrating Women’s History Month in Finger Lakes

We all know that there are ongoing events in the Finger Lakes area and Women’s History Month celebrates “locals” like Iroquois women, Harriet Tubman, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and their contributions. Advertize our local events by tagging @BraveWomenFLX so that everyone can see how we celebrate in our own region.

March 10 – Harriet Tubman Day. Our beautiful Auburn, New York, is where this intrepid woman lived for over 50 years. In addition to all of her work with the Underground Railroad, she was a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor. She spoke freely about abolition at a time when it was hardly popular. Enjoy the self-guided Underground Railroad Tour, Seward House Museum, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, and pay your respects at her final resting place in Fort Hill Cemetery.

• Cayuga Museum of History and Art – now through September 3. This exhibit is a step through history from the time Ms. Tubman called the city her home in 1859 through 1913.
• Lantern Trail is an immersive outdoor experience that allows you to return to where Harriet Tubman lived for so many years. Following the trail you can stop any time or join at any point on the map. Just use your smartphone and QR and you are on your way. If you collect all 11 stickers, you can win a gift bag!
• Seward House Museum is featuring the exhibit “Forged in Freedom”. This is the culmination of a year-long project to connect the life and actions of Harriet Tubman and her relationship with the William H. Seward family.
• Ain’t Misbehavin’ – If theater is more your style, don’t miss the REV Theater’s rendition of this tribute to Fats Waller’s music and the excitement of the times in which it was originally presented.

More exciting opportunities include:

• March 8 – Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE). If you are considering starting your own business or want to learn more tips about how to succeed, this is the event to catch. Held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, 25 South Street, Auburn, NY, it will feature a panel discussion. While it is free, they do ask for registration. Light refreshments will be available.
• Friday evenings – Make it a ladies’ night out at Barnstormer Winery for Happy Hour and more from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. No cover but seating is on first come and first served (wine, local beer, craft cocktails) and pop-up catering. Look at Facebook for more details. Events continue through April.
• Sundays in March – Barnstormer Winery again hosts wine tastings for only $45 per person, with a discount for Aviator’s, Frequent Flyers, and High Flyers. Another good opportunity for a gal gathering.
• Brave Brews – Even if you missed the date, support this Auburn group that supports women and non-binary individuals who provide craft beverages. Mark your calendar to watch for it next year.
• March 9 and 30 – If you love to shop, try the Geneva Indoor Market at Finger Lakes Welcome Center, 35 Lakefront Drive. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and entrance is free.

In addition to patronizing women-owned and women-lead business enterprises, try to fit in as many of these specials as possible. Go solo, as a group, or any combination you might feel in the mood for.