We’d like to thank Bill Scher for his column about the presidential book group at the Forbes Library [”Take a journey through the American presidency,” Gazette, Dec. 8]. It was delightful to see how much interest it attracted. That group will begin anew for new readers. We’d also like to alert people of a spin-off monthly group on women’s history that will begin on Jan. 10 between 7:30-8:45 p.m. To date, the 45 individuals who have served as president of the United States have all been men. But what about the women of the day?
Leslie Skantz-Hodgson and Rob Weir will lead discussions on that question in a new book group Herstory: Women in American History. We will start with “Good Wives” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, which takes a deep look at New England women during the century between 1650-1750. Copies can be borrowed at Forbes, but there are also e-books and audio versions available. It is also easily attainable for those who wish to have a book of their own. Herstory will meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. All sessions will take place on Zoom so interested parties can join from the comfort of their own homes. The exact titles of the monthly group are still in development, but we will highlight both famous and non-famous women in a variety of contexts, including women of color, activists, First Ladies, and more. If you would like to participate in this group, sign in at Coolidge@forbeslibrary.org.
Leslie Skantz-Hodgson and Rob Weir
Northampton