A new book, In Her Shoes: A Compilation of Inspiring Stories from the First Decade of the Worcester Women’s Oral History Project, by the Co-Chairpersons of WWOHP, Charlene L. Martin and Maureen Ryan Doyle, will be launched on December 1, 2015, commemorating the tenth anniversary of Worcester Women’s Oral History Project.
WWOHP records, collects, and shares the personal and historical memoires of women from Central Massachusetts. As the editors researched and reviewed the full transcripts of oral histories for this book, certain common themes emerged. Almost every woman who was interviewed discussed the high-wire act of finding time for the competing responsibilities of spouses, children, extended family, careers, housework, and volunteering. Another subject which emerged was the passion that women displayed when talking about what is near and dear to them. And the final topic involved how women created their own paths in life. Some overcame the adversity of illness, poverty, teen pregnancy, loss of parents, sexual assault or immigrating to a new country.
At this time, 300 oral histories have been collected and transcribed by WWOHP. Many full-text transcripts are available to the public on the Project’s website. The Project is honored to have the Schlesinger Library as the permanent repository for its oral histories. The Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America is on the campus of Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University and maintains collections relating to a wide range of women’s activities. It provides rich material for researchers and historians.
In a culture that is driven daily by the power of celebrity, the day-to-day struggles, challenges, and victories of ordinary women in Central Massachusetts could be easily lost. The mission of WWOHP is to preserve and share these stories. Please join us on December 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Saxe Room of the Worcester Public Library when Charlene L. Martin and Maureen Ryan Doyle will read excerpts from their new book and invite you into the personal struggles and private triumphs of some truly inspiring women.
For further information, please contact Maureen Ryan Doyle at mryandoyle@aol.com or 508-829-6968.
