1983

• The Women's History Reclamation Project (WHRP) founded and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by its founder, Mary Maschal.

1984

• Mary B. Maschal receives a San Diego Foundation grant to conduct ORAL HISTORY interviews.

1995

• Open House - WHRP is introduced to San Diego.
• NOW and WHRP celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 21st amendment granting women the right to vote.

1996

• September - WHRP opens museum space in the ART UNION Building in San Diego's Golden Hill neighborhood and begins to expand its educational programming.

1997

• WHRP Exhibit "Because It Needed to be Done" opens for Women's History Month.
• Summer Exhibit Opens: "By a Thread: A Quilted Journey Through Depression."
• Exhibit "A Wish for Peace" opens.

1998

• Celebrate '98 - 150th Anniversary of Seneca Falls Celebration, Balboa Park, San Diego.
• WHRP receives award from the Lawyer's Club of San Diego.
• Exhibit: "Inspiring Women: Women Trailblazers" opens.

1999

• WHRP begins Membership Lecture Series with "The Art and Legacy of Mary Cassat," presented by Susan Leonard.
• Strategic Planning Retreat - Community leaders and activists participate and develop a Strategic Plan for the future direction of the WHRP.
• WHRP moves into a larger facility, also located in the ART UNION Building.
• Exhibit "The Fabric of Women's Lives" opens. History of women's fashion in the U.S.
• Exhibit "A Peace for All" opens.

2000

• Exhibit: "Creating Their Own Path: Women Who Paved the Way" opens at the WHRP, SDSU Love Library, and the UCSD Women's Center to celebrate Women's History Month.
• WHRP hosts a Women's History Poetry Contest and opens exhibit: "In Our Own Voice: Women's History through Women's Poetry."
• WHRP receives $13,000 educational outreach grant for creation of traveling exhibits.

2001

• Collaboration with UCSD Women's Center, SDSU's Women's Studies Department and the County Commission for the Status of Women established to begin planning for the San Diego Women's Hall of Fame.

2002

• Created and produce the First Annual "Women's Hall of Fame" Induction Ceremony in March.
• Five women from the community were selected as the first Inductees in the Hall of Fame.
• 400 people (a standing room only crowd) attended the event at UCSD during Women's History Month.

2003

• WHRP changes its name to the Women's History Museum and Educational Center (WHMEC) to better reflect the nature of its programs and mission.
• Traveling exhibit "Women Who Dare: Shaping the Americas" opens across San Diego County funded by a California Council for the Humanities Grant.
• 2nd Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at UCSD.

2004

• WHMEC receives its first of two San Diego Commission on Arts and Culture Grants to continue the "Women Who Dare" exhibit into North and East Counties.
• 3rd Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at UCSD.
• In March, a delegation of African women leaders visits with members of the San Diego County Commission on Women and other community leaders at the WHMEC for a workshop and Circle of Conversations.
• County Supervisor Pamela Slater-Price awards the WHMEC $5,000 to bring "Women Who Dare: Shaping the Americas" to North County.
• The Exhibit "Ophelia Rising, A Dialogue with women of the past, women of today, woman with herself: an Installation by Andrea Singer" opens which analyzes historical undergarments since the 18th century.

2005

• 4th Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at UCSD during Women's History Month
• Women's History Art Initiative program partners with Women's Hall of Fame to educate school-age children on women's history.
• Film screening of Sisters of '77, a documentary on the first National Women's Conference in Houston, in honor of International Women's Day (March 8, 2005) Original delegates were in attendance for a cross-cultural/cross-generational dialogue and discussion.
• The WHMEC served as the site for Assemblywoman Lori Saldana's Woman of the Year event honoring longtime activist and community leader, Judy Foreman, owner of the Big Kitchen Café.
• In conjunction with the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women, the WHMEC held an event to announce the Beijing+10 report.
• The Youth Art Project Committee, a critical component of the Women's Hall of Fame, hosted an opening reception on April 15, 2005 for all the friends and family of the student participants in the project.
• Received a score of 3 and funding from the City Commission for Arts & Culture
• Two opening receptions for our new permanent exhibit All Our Grandmothers, documenting the lives of African American and Native American women living in San Diego at the turn of the century.
• In conjunction with the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women and the Women's Intercultural Network, the WHMEC hosted Afghani women leaders in a presentation on June 16 about emerging activism in Afghanistan resulting in the donation of a Burka for our museum. In August we hosted 2 women leaders from Uganda.
• In August, a visual arts fundraiser collaborating with over 38 artists of the community for a show entitled Women on Top.
• In October, a series of cultural events celebrating "Day of the Dead" in partnership with Back from Tomboctou, a shop featuring Mexican and world imports, workshops and other classes.

2006

• Hosted the February meeting for the National Latina organization MANA de San Diego
• In partnership with San Diego City College, the WHMEC presented a film screening of Sisters of '77 with original delegates from the first National Women's Conference in Houston, TX.
• Hosted the 5th annual San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame ceremony with, for the first time, a sit-down catered dinner for over 350 guests at the UCSD Price Center Ballroom.
• Nationally-renowned author and psychological research Vikki Stark presents a workshop on sister relationships at the WHMEC in March 2006.
• The annual Women's History Art Initiative (formerly the Youth Art Project) hosts its annual reception at the WHMEC on April 1, 2006.
• Two cross-cultural workshops uniting women with their ancestors are presented in May 2006 by Prof. Starla Lewis, Chair of Black Studies at Mesa College, and Alyce Smith-Cooper, ancestral storyteller and actor.
• Received a 3+ and funding from City Commission for Arts & Culture.
• Annual Women's Equality Day Celebration on August 26, 2006 featured a fundraiser for the museum along with a raffle drawing, film screening of the suffrage film Iron Jawed Angels and several partner organizations including the Foundation for Women and the League of Women Voters.
• In October 2006, local artist collective Grrrl Zines A-Go-Go presented a temporary exhibit on the history of 'zines (self-published magazines) and two zine-making workshops free to the public, including a youth workshops with the Girl Scouts of San Diego-Imperial County.
• On October 29, 2006, the WHMEC held the 2nd annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration with community altar building, music and poetry readings by young women of Hermanitas, a Latina mentorship program of MANA de San Diego.
• Permanent Executive Director brought on staff
• Created a Professional Volunteer Staff of Academics from local universities include positions of Curator, Archivist, Historian, Librarian, Exhibits Designer, Volunteer Coordinator, IT Director, and Oral Historian.
• In March, a delegation of Afghani women leaders visits with members of the San Diego County Commission on Women and other community leaders at the WHMEC for a workshop; the women donate a burka to the museum's permanent collection.
• County Supervisor Pamela Slater-Price awards the WHMEC $5,000 to bring "Women Who Dare: Shaping the Americas" to North County.
• The Exhibit "Ophelia Rising", A Dialogue with women of the past, women of today, woman with herself: an Installation by Andrea Singer" opens which analyzes historical undergarments since the 18th century.
• Awarded $2000 from the County Board of Supervisors to complete archival shelving for our collection

2007

• Hosted the Feminist Art Space with contributions of art, poetry and music
• Partnered with San Diego Indie Music Festival in North Park. Created the Women's History Month Stage at Claire de Lune for the entire month of March with visual displays.
• Hosted the International Women's Day Film Festival in conjunction with the Latino Film Festival.
• Held the 6th Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner at UCSD Price Center Ballroom
• Partnered with 8 other women's organizations (AAUW, Planned Parenthood, NOW, YWCA, Girl Scouts, United Nations Women's Equity Council, SDSU Women's Studies Department and UCSD's Women's Center) to celebrate Women's Equality Day - Suffrage Day with a dedication to Kate Sessions followed by a march across the Laurel Street Bridge, free ice cream and brownies and a screening of the film "Iron Jawed Angels" in the Prado.
• Hosted the Women's Caucus of Art Juried Exhibition for the month of October.
• Offered our 3rd Annual Dia de los Muertos celebration with community altar building and lecture.
• Hosted GRRRRRLPower, a San Diego Art Collective, in an art show for the month of November.
• Awarded $1500 from the County Board of Supervisors to take our traveling exhibit, "Women Who Dare" to South Bay schools and libraries.
• Received a 3+ score and funding for the 4th year from the City Commission for Arts and Culture.

2008

• Hosted Mary Maschal Portrait Unveiling and Reception to honor founder Mary Maschal with a portrait painted by Susan E. Roden.
• In celebration of Black History Month, held a wine and cheese reception and attendance to the opening weekend of "Permanent Collection" at Mo'olelo Theatre Company.
• Kicked off Women's History Month with special drinks, food, and entertainment at Clair de Lune Coffee Shop.
• Hosted an intimate evening with entertainer and activist Holly Near.
• Celebrated International Women's Day with lecture, food, and networking at the museum.
• Welcomed vocalist Bonnie Barnes and pianist Richard Couples at the San Diego women's club for their performance of the music of lyricist Dorothy Fields.
• Hosted the event The Voices of Women to celebrate women's expression of creativity and voice.
• Partnered with 4th annual San Diego Indie Music Festival with the Women's History Stage at Claire de Lune.
• Held the 7th Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner at UCSD Price Center Ballroom.
• Set up an exhibit in the museum to honor artist Muriel Fisher.
• Hosted the Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.
• Held an opening reception for the completion of phase 11 of the permanent exhibit All Our Grandmothers.
• Partnered with 8 other women's organizations (AAUW, Planned Parenthood, NOW, YWCA, Girl Scouts, United Nations Women's Equity Council, SDSU Women's Studies Department and UCSD's Women's Center) to celebrate Women's Equality Day with a parade and suffrage ball.
• Showing of the San Diego Repertory Theater's play "The Good Body" with author Louise Bernikov, presenter of "The Shoulders We Stand On: Women as Agents of Change" as guest speaker.
• Held an opening reception for Out of the Mouths of Babes: Women's Words and Witicisms, a collection of serigraphs and quotations by Susie Reneau.
• Held a musical performance and lecture presentation by local author Dr. Anne Gray celebrating The World of Women in Classical Music.
• Hosted an exhibition presented by The Women's Caucus for Art entitled "Women's Mystical Power and Magic".
• Offered our 4th Annual Dia de los Muertos celebration with community altar building and lecture.
• Participated in the Head to Toe Expo at Del Mar Fairgrounds, gave free passes for the viewing of presentation by Dr. Gonda.
• Put on an artistic experience workshop, led by Helen Redman, called "Aging With Attitude".
• Celebrated November as National American Indian Heritage Month with food, music, storytelling, and more.
• Held an opening reception for Dorothy Annette's Celebration of Life, including multi-media art displays, lectures, and an encounter with the artist.

2009

• Showing of original theatre project "He said.She said", presented in two parts.
• Hosted Grace Paley Reconstructed: a discussion of the stories of Grace Paley, creator of the character "Faith" in "Acts of Faith."
• Celebration of Black History Month with a series of story-tellers and the dedication of the Women's History Stage at Claire de Lune coffee lounge.
• Celebration of International Women's Day with a series of workshops, interviews, and documentaries honoring women's social, economic, and political achievements worldwide.
• Hosted a private reception and spring fashion presentation called Fashion, Finance, and Philanthropy.
• Performance of Grace Paley's work "Acts of Faith".
• Continued the Author Series with readings and discussion of how to write a memoir.
• Participated in the 5th Annual San Diego Indie Music Festival.
• Held the 8th Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner at UCSD Price Center Ballroom.
• Hosted an artist demonstration by Susan E. Roden during the April duration of her exhibit Romance with Simplicity.
• Presented Mary and Myra: a staged reading of the work of Catherine Filloux.
• In May, exhibited a photo essay depicting Indonesian Orphans, entitled "Framed with Hope"
• Showing of documentary film "Dear Miss Breed" and the impact on our community understanding.
• Hosted 2nd annual Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival.
• Celebrated Women's Equality Day with the second annual parade and suffrage ball.
• Hosted a Sweetwater Harley-Davidson "Garage Party" to introduce the fun of riding and the basics of motorcycling for women.
• Continued the Author Series with "Secret Lovers, Affairs Happen. How to Cope" by Luann Linquist, Ph.D.
• Installation of exhibit "Oils Along the Way", a one woman show by Judy Burnett
• Reception for the Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company's production of "9 Parts of Desire"
• Attended San Diego Historical Society's lecture What Women do for Fashion, by Dr. Susan Gonda.
• Exhibition of sculpture by artist Mary Buckman.
• Offered our 5th Annual Dia de los Muertos celebration with community altar building and lecture.
• Celebrated Native American Heritage Day at Golden Hill Park with folktale, heritage, and personal stories focusing on the lives of Native Women.
• Hosted a salon talk on "Tensions in the Journey: From Child to Crone".
• Installation of exhibit "The Gift of Art" by Susie Reneau & friends.

2010

• Welcomed members of the American Historical Association to the museum.
• Hosted an opening reception to view the January exhibit Ventures in Art and a celebration of the works of Ladies Who Paint.
• Hosted an Open Mic Night, featuring music, poetry, and storytelling at the museum.
• Celebrated International Women's Day with an evening of cross-generational conversation and tales of women from around the world.
• Partnered with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir of San Diego in an event called Celebrating Our Sisters' Strength which celebrated women's accomplishments around the globe.
• Held a 2nd Business of Fashion, Finance & Philanthropy reception at Bloomingdales.
• Welcomed actress, author and motivational speaker Dorothy Leeds for Good Lessons from Bad Women.
• Held the 9th Annual Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner at UCSD Price Center Ballroom.
• Hosted the 3rd Annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival in Spanish Village Art Center
• Installed a new exhibit in Old Town State Historic Park in the Machado y Silvas Adobe

more highlights to come

Our Values

... Respecting and honoring all women and their experiences.
... Respecting all individuals’ beliefs, cultures and ideas.
... Inviting and encouraging participation and open dialogue from women, men and children.
... Integrity of our collection and in our presentation of women’s history.
... Diversity, cultural competence, cultural democracy and inclusion in our organizational structure.
... An organizational environment that builds and fosters open, honest, considerate communication and a spirit of cooperative problem solving, consensus and community.
... Planning, responsible decision-making, well-designed systems Accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
... Enthusiasm, positive attitude, creativity, recognition, humor, commitment, support, passion, acceptance.
... Human life and human rights.