Empowering Future Leaders and Inspiring Change: Celebrate Women’s History with a Discussion of Women and Power March 13th at Noon

For Immediate Release

February 28. 2012

Contact: Meaghan MacDonald

(860) 246-1553, ext. 116

meaghan.macdonald@cga.ct.gov 

Empowering Future Leaders and Inspiring Change

Celebrate Women’s History with a Discussion of  Women and Power

March 13^th, Noon at Connecticut’s Old State House

From Ella Grasso, the first woman in the US  elected Governor in her own right, to Denise Nappier, the first African American woman in the nation elected State Treasurer, Connecticut has a proud tradition of women serving in government. But while women make up more than half the population of the state, fewer than one third of the representatives in the CT house are women, and only one quarter of the CT Senate is female. At the federal level the numbers are even more dismal.  What’s holding women back from holding office? How can we get more women to run? Join the discussion with one of Connecticut’s most successful politicians Lt Gov Nancy Wyman, Patti Russo the director the Women’s Campaign School at Yale, and Katherine Wiltshire, director of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.  Bring your lunch and enjoy this free program on Tuesday March 13^th at noon at Connecticut’s Old State House.

 Add your opinions as media personality Diane Smith  hosts a panel discussion with these women leaders, and  two of the campaign school’s graduates, who are now making an impact in politics in their hometowns, Gayle Weinstein, First Selectman of Weston, and Kelly Luxenberg, Manchester Board of Education member.

 Wondering what it takes to run for office? Get hands-on advice from the experts and celebrate Women’s History Month by finding out about the women who have shaped history in our state.

 Enjoy  “We Fight for Roses, Too” an inspiring exhibit from  the Connecticut  Women’s Hall of Fame  that highlights the stories, struggles and achievements of inductees from all walks of life.  The exhibit opens on  March 13^th and runs through March 23^rd at the Old State House.

 Up Next at the Old State House: On April 17^th at Noon, join Richard DeLuca as he presents research from his newly-released book Post Roads & Iron Horses. Explore the history of Connecticut’s transportation from colonial times through the age of steam. Then delve into the transporation issues facing  Connecticut today and how they affect the state’s economy and quality of life.  

 Connecticut’s Old State House will validate parking tickets from the State Street South Parking Garage (formerly the Constitution Plaza garage).   The validation is good all day.

 Throughout 2012, the Old State House will have a variety of lunchtime lectures and other special events and programming. Visit the calendar on www.ctoldstatehouse.org for more information.

 Located in Hartford just minutes from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Athenaeum and the riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world.  The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CTOldStateHouse or visit us online at www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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