Museum spotlights 1970s feminism

Historian Laurie Mercier will discuss the second wave of feminism in a free “First Thursday” event at the Clark County Historical Museum.

The Washington State University Vancouver history professor will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday at the museum, 1511 Main St. First Thursday presentations include free admission to the museum from 5 to 9 p.m.

In previewing her presentation — “The Personal is Political: Second Wave Feminism of the 1970s” — she notes that as recently as 1970, job postings in newspaper classified ads were divided into “men’s jobs” and “women’s jobs.” Yet 63 percent of Americans supported women’s equality by 1975.

Mercier’s lecture kicks off National Women’s History Month at the museum and is held in conjunction with the exhibit “Road to Equality: the Struggle for Women’s Rights in the Northwest.”

Luncheon coming up

On March 21,, the fifth annual women’s tea and luncheon will feature storyteller Anne-Louise Sterry. The recording artist, author and broadcast host will present “Aunt Lena’s Views on Women’s Rights and Issues.” She portrays a wise-cracking Italian immigrant who is full of unique advice, whether requested or not.

Doors open at 11 a.m.; seating is limited and reservations are required. Tickets are $35, or $30 for Clark County Historical Society members. Call 360-993-5679 or reserve tickets at the museum.