The Calloway County Public Library and the Murray State University Department of History will hold a lecture on March 8 at 2 p.m. as part of their ongoing series. Dr. Christine Lindner, associate professor of history at Murray State University, will present “The History of the National Organization for Women: 60 Years of Feminist Organizing” in Community Room B at the library. The event is open to the public.
Lindner’s talk will mark both Women’s History Month and the 60th anniversary of the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW), which began in June 1966. She will discuss key figures such as Betty Friedan and Pauli Murray, outline major issues addressed by NOW, and place its formation within the context of 1960s United States and international feminism. The presentation will also address challenges faced by NOW, including its advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment, and highlight local feminist history in western Kentucky as part of broader national efforts.
Attendees are encouraged to bring travel-size personal hygiene products and menstrual products for donation. These items will be distributed through Murray State’s Oakley Student Resource Center and West KY NOW’s Pad the Pantries campaign.
Dr. Lindner holds degrees from Gordon College, Durham University, and the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on women and family in Ottoman Syria as well as American women’s transnational activism in the Middle East. Since moving to Murray, she has researched local movements for racial and gender justice. She has been involved with West KY NOW since 2017 and currently serves as chapter president.
For more information about the event, individuals can contact the Calloway County Public Library via email at contactccpl@callowaycountylibrary.org or by phone at 270-753-2288.
