"Scribbling Women" Then and Now is the focus for Women's History Month program

The role of women writers in both the 19th and 21st centuries will be the focus of a program on Saturday, March 29, 2025, when Missouri Professional Communicators (MPC) celebrates Women’s History Month at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 N. Jackson Ave., Clayton. The free program will begin at 10 a.m. and be available online as well as in the gallery. 

Historian Rebecca Now, who received a 2024 Communications Contest Award from the National Federation of Press Women for her memoir, "Borrowed Courage: Bringing Monumental Women of the 19th Century to Life," will reveal fascinating stories about Harriet Beecher Stowe and other influential women who helped bridge the gap between property-less women of early America and promoted trailblazing ideas of the 1900s.

The session will expand on Nathaniel Hawthorne's complaint about successful women writers of the time, calling them “a damned mob of scribbling women,” and how those women’s successes led to advances for women in the 20th century. 

Our presenters will be, from left, Vickie Calmese, Connie Mayta, and Rebecca Now.

Sharing personal avenues for improving women’s lives in the 21st century will be Vickie Calmese, registered nurse and healthcare specialist, whose passion and commitment is improving health through knowledge and humor, and Connie Mayta, an author and consultant for project, program and portfolio management.

The three presenters are featured in the book, "InHER Power, InHER Wisdom — A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Growing Into Your Power," copies of which will be available at the event for purchase. Please RSVP by March 28. If attending virtually, request the Zoom link in your reservation.