Westchester Fifth Graders Bring History to Life at Women’s History Month Living Museum

On April 1, Westchester Elementary held a Women’s History Month “Living Museum” event. Fifth-grade girls spent the month of March researching, writing, and preparing oral presentations on influential women. Students brought these women to life, sharing how they shaped and changed the world.

Guests began their visit by watching a 90-second video on Women’s History Month. They were then greeted by Sloane Porter, the Museum Director, who introduced the experience. “You might be wondering, what is Women’s History Month, and why do we celebrate it? Every March, we take time to honor amazing women, past and present, who have helped shape our world. These women have been scientists, athletes, leaders, artists, and so much more. They’ve broken barriers, followed their dreams, and made history in ways that inspire us all.” 

Sloane also supported her classmates throughout the project. “I helped my friends research their person and then design their posters,” she said.

Guests then stepped into the living history museum, where 19 students represented historical and contemporary figures in an interactive format, dressing as the figures they researched. As attendees moved from one presentation to the next, they learned about women spanning more than 240 years—from figures like Sacagawea and Lucy Stone to current leaders such as Alysa Liu and Malala Yousafzai. Students shared key facts, family history, and the lasting impact each woman made on the world and how they advanced women’s rights 

Fifth-grade student Maren Zygmunt studied Amelia Earhart, choosing her subject out of admiration. “Amelia was cool and courageous,” Maren said. “I researched her childhood, her family, her historic flights, and her disappearance.” Through her presentation, attendees learned unique details about Earhart’s life, including that she received a yellow airplane for her “golden birthday” when she turned 24. “She named her plane ‘The Canary’ after the bright yellow bird,” Maren explained.

Channeling Earhart, Maren also shared an inspiring message: “I’m here to show boys and girls that you can be anything you want to be. I became a pilot simply for the fun of it.”

“Students were invited to participate in this living history project,” said Dr. Courtney Wilson, Westchester school counselor, who organized the event in collaboration with 5th-grade student ambassadors. “The criteria was to research a person who helped advance women’s rights. Students explored what challenges women faced during their person’s lifetime, what actions that individual took to create change, and how those efforts have impacted women’s lives today.”

“I think the museum went great,” said CC Graham, who represented Marie Curie. “I loved sharing how Marie inspires me. She lived during a time when women were underestimated and not respected, but she proved herself by discovering radium and becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her scientific work. She showed that women can do anything. I think she felt more fulfilled as others began to recognize and respect what she stood for.”

The 19 women that students chose to research and a brief recap from the event program is included below:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)

She was a Supreme Court Justice who fought her whole life so women could be treated fairly under the law — because of her, women can apply for credit cards, own businesses, and have equal rights in court.

Amelia Earhart (1897–1937)

She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She proved that women could do anything men could do — even soar through the sky alone over an entire ocean.

Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)

She spent her whole life fighting for women’s right to vote. Thanks to her hard work, the 19th Amendment was passed — giving ALL American women the right to vote.

Marie Curie (1867–1934)

She was the first woman EVER to win a Nobel Prize — and she won TWO. She showed the world that women are just as brilliant as men in science, opening doors for girls in STEM forever.

Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle (1905–2003)

In 1926, she became the first woman to swim across the English Channel — and she beat the men’s record by nearly 2 hours! She proved women’s athletic abilities had no limit.

Misty Copeland (1982–present)

She became the first African American woman named principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. She broke barriers so that young Black girls everywhere know they belong on any stage.

Lucy Stone (1818–1893)

She was one of the first American women to keep her own last name after marriage — and the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. She fought bravely for women’s rights and equality.

Jada McLean (2000s–present)

A rising young leader and advocate who shows that you are NEVER too young to stand up for what is right and make a difference in your community.

Malala Yousafzai (1997–present)

She was shot for going to school — and kept fighting anyway. She became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner ever, and she works every day so girls around the world can get an education.

Alice Walker (1944-present)

She wrote The Color Purple, which gave a powerful voice to Black women’s experiences. She was the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000)

She was a famous actress AND an inventor! Her invention of frequency-hopping technology helps power today’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — she helped connect the whole world.

Sacagawea (c.1788–1812)

As a young Shoshone woman, she guided Lewis & Clark across thousands of miles of unknown land. Her bravery and knowledge helped shape the future of a nation.

Serena Williams (1981–present)

She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles — more than any other tennis player in the Open Era. She fought for equal prize money for women in sports and inspired millions of girls to pick up a racket.

Jane Goodall (1934–2025)

She spent decades living with chimpanzees in Africa and changed how scientists study animals. She proved that women belong in science fieldwork and that one person really can help save the planet.

Josephine Baker (1906–1975)

She was a trailblazing entertainer AND a civil rights activist. She refused to perform for segregated audiences and was the first African American woman to star in a major motion picture.

Alysa Liu (2005–present)

She became the youngest U.S. figure skating champion ever at age 13. She is breaking records and proving that age is no barrier when you have passion and dedication.

Helena Normanton (1882–1957)

She was the first woman to practice as a barrister in England and Wales. She fought hard for women to have the same legal rights as men, paving the way for female lawyers everywhere.

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913)

She escaped slavery and then went BACK — 13 times — to lead over 70 people to freedom on the Underground Railroad. She later worked as a spy and nurse, fighting for freedom her whole life.

Simone Biles (1997–present)

The most decorated gymnast in history. She bravely spoke about protecting her own mental health at the Olympics, teaching girls everywhere that taking care of yourself is a sign of true strength.