Introducing the VFA Pioneer Histories Project
The activists of the Second Wave feminist movement literally changed the world. From 1965 to 1982, thousands of women (and men) from coast to coast took actions – small and large – that made our country more equitable for women. Some of their stories are well known. Many of their stories have never been told.
The VFA Pioneer Histories Project is the personal history of the Second Wave women’s movement – one story at a time. Just click on the photo or name of any of the feminists below to see their personal page, which includes their interviews, transcripts and more information.
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VFA was created to honor and record the history of the accomplishments of individuals active in the movement, and to preserve the movement’s history for future generations. The Pioneer Histories Project is the major means for achieving that mission through the stories of the courageous women and men who made the revolution happen. We are collecting the personal stories of both well-known and relatively unknown feminists.
We are interviewing Second Wave activists. We are collecting previous existing interviews and incorporating existing written biographies. Our goal is to create as complete a history as possible for historians – but also for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Second Wave activists.
We want future generations to understand how things were for women in 1965 – and how we changed them. We need them to know that the changes only came about through real battles. And the individual stories of the activists who made that change are the stories of the movement – in cities and towns across the country.
Visit this site often to see new interviews as they are added.
And please let us know about other Second Wavers who should be included by emailing us at PioneerHistories@veteranfeministsofamerica.org. Click here to learn how you can be part of this important project.
The VFA Pioneer Histories Project is grateful for generous support from the Sy Syms Foundation. Copyright 2018 Veteran Feminists of America.