BETHEL — To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Bethel Historical Society will show the film “Reaching Out for Liberty & Light: The Life of Frances Payne Bolton”on Saturday, March 30.
The younger sister of William Bingham II, Bethel’s greatest philanthropist, Frances Payne (Bingham) Bolton is recognized as an outstanding and influential politician, humanitarian, philanthropist, and patriot, according to a news release from the society Tuesday.
Society Executive Director Emeritus Stanley R. Howe, who is completing a biography of William Bingham, will introduce the film. The free program will be held at 2 p.m. at the Dr. Moses Mason House at 14 Broad St.
In 1940, the voters of Ohio’s 22nd District elected
(1885-1977) their state’s first Congresswoman, the release said.
Through her 28-year service in Congress, she helped to shape many of the defining moments of her era, influencing national policy toward the Soviet Union and Africa, helping to transform the nursing profession during World War II, serving as the first woman congressional delegate to the United Nations, and rendering extraordinary service to her constituents in northeast Ohio, the release said.
In contrast to her public role, Frances Bolton’s private life was shadowed by tragedy. The wealth and social prominence of her family could not protect her from illness and death.
Out of devastating personal experiences came an indomitable spirit and an inner vision. Her kinship with “suffering humanity,” combined with the financial resources to instantly transform ideas into actions, enabled her to become one of the unique figures in American history.
Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, and during October in Canada, corresponding with the celebration of Persons Day on Oct. 18.
In the United States, Women’s History Month traces its beginnings to the first International Women’s Day in 1911.
For more information, contact the Bethel Historical Society, 10 Broad St., P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012 or call 207-824-2908/ 800-824-2910, or fax 207-824-0882.
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- Frances Payne Bolton
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