You could be forgiven if you happen to believe that Mother's Day is a holiday invented by florists, candy stores and greeting card companies. In point of fact, however, this holiday has a hard-won, grassroots history that puts today's celebrations in context.
On Central Standard, a historian introduced us to three women who lobbied for a mother's day of sorts: the first out of a desire for peace, the second to decrease infant mortality through education, and the third in service of her own professional yearnings.
We also met with a young artist who created a limited-edition print of the original Mother's Day Proclamation, and heard a local writer's story about the earliest days of motherhood.
Guests:
- Katherine Antolini, Assistant Professor of History, West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Nikki McClure, artist, nikkimcclure.com
- Liz Tascio, writer, teacher and mother
