Every year we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, but how often do we consider the significance of this occasion? Why it is important to honor women in this very intentional way? What has been your personal experience with how women have been treated? And how do you honor and celebrate the women in your life?
From trailblazers in science, politics and the arts to everyday heroes making a difference in their communities, women play a vital role in shaping our world. They always have. Throughout history, women have been pioneers, leaders and changemakers, driving progress and breaking barriers in every field. Their significant contributions have positively impacted our world, and their resilience has paved the way for future generations. That is why the United States has designated every March as Women’s History Month providing 31 days to celebrate women’s achievements while advocating for a future where their voices remain heard, valued and preserved.
Across the world, Women’s History Month is commemorated in diverse ways. During this time, museums, organizations and communities will host special events, exhibits and educational programs to highlight the monumental contributions of women, both past and present. These shared experiences allow the exchanging of inspiring stories, historical milestones and calls to action for promoting gender equality.
These celebrations also allow us to reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped history: from Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth, who fought tirelessly for women’s rights and abolition, to cultural icons like Dr. Maya Angelou, who gave voice to the struggles and triumphs of Black women, from Princess Diana, whose humanitarian efforts touched lives worldwide to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who broke supreme gender barriers and served as a symbol of hope and inspiration in a modern world to women young and old. Extraordinary women like these have always, and will continue to, overcome the immense obstacles put in their path, leading to important movements and social change that inspires generations.
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The Evolution of Women’s History Month
In 1978, the schools of Sonoma County, California, designated the month of March as Women’s History Month by organizing a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. A few years later, the idea caught on within school districts, organizations and communities across the country.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week beginning with March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The following year, U.S. Congress passed a resolution establishing a national observance, and six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the observance to the entire month of March.
Today, Women’s History Month is observed primarily in the United States, but similar month-long celebrations and observances exist in other parts of the world like United Kingdom and Australia, and International Women’s Day is globally recognized in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Handcrafted Collectibles Make Women’s History Month Even More Heartfelt and Meaningful
While there are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month, owning a unique collectible tribute inspired by strong women can make the experience even more meaningful. Whether you’re honoring the legacies of pioneering women or uplifting a special woman in your life, a thoughtfully chosen collectible can be a lasting reminder of resilience, achievement and inspiration.
The Bradford Exchange offers a distinctive selection of collectibles that celebrate women. From figurines and commemorative coins to sculptures and music boxes, these treasures pay homage to the extraordinary women who have made a difference in our world and in our hearts. We have curated a list of these expertly crafted keepsakes in today’s blog post. We hope you enjoy Celebrating Women’s History Month: Unique Collectibles Inspired by Strong Women.
Harriet Tubman Sculpture
Born into slavery in 1822, Harriet Tubman later escaped from Dorchester County, Maryland and dedicated her life to the abolition of slavery, helping many slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. This first-of-its-kind handcrafted sculpturepays homage to her life with a realistic likeness of the heroine, hand-painted and finished with a rich blend of matte, metallic and glossy hues. It captures Harriet Tubman in figural form, atop a granite-like 4-sided pedestal base highlighted with 4 archival photos and 4 quotes from the inspirational icon of courage and freedom.
Sojourner Truth Tribute Sculpture
An abolitionist, women’s rights activist and civil rights activist, Sojourner Truth became one of the most famous orators in American history, delivering speeches around the country on behalf of women and African Americans. This first-of-its-kind handcrafted sculpture, by distinguished artist Keith Mallett, honors her legacy with an authentic portrayal. Hand-painted with a rich blend of matte, metallic and glossy hues, a figure of Sojourner Truth stands atop a 4-sided base that incorporates archival photographs and memorable quotations from this American patriot and humanitarian.
The Power of Love Coretta Scott King Figurine
Influential civil rights activist Mrs. Coretta Scott King shares the spotlight with her husband Dr. Martin Luther King in this powerful tribute. Formally attired, the couple is portrayed during a Community Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of his Nobel Peace Prize in New York City in 1964. Mrs. King’s gown is hand-painted with a soft green pearlescent finish to give it the look of satin, while her floral-inspired brooch is embellished with five genuine Svenka crystals. The commemorative plaque behind them features an archival photo from the King Estate with a special quote from Mrs. King’s memoir, “My Life, My Love, My Legacy.”
The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Proof Coin Collection
Becoming queen at the very young age of 25, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was coronated on June 2, 1953. On that day, she pledged herself to service and went on to become Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Now, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II shinesin this collection of commemorative Proof coins plated in gleaming 24K gold. Featuring full-color portraits and black memorial privy marks, each heirloom-quality Proof coin arrives sealed in a crystal-clear capsule for enduring protection. Plus, the collection includes a display box for showing off and storing your Proofs.
The Princess Diana Legacy Proof Coin Collection
Princess Diana was adored by millions for her devotion to her sons and her heartfelt support of humanitarian causes. Beginning with her lavish, globally televised wedding to England’s Prince Charles, she also quickly became a world-wide fashion icon. Now, her legacy is celebrated in a collection of 99.9% silver-plated Proof coins with full-color images and 24K gold-plated privy marks featuring her monogram “D”. The Proof coins arrive sealed in crystal-clear capsules and the deluxe display box is an ideal way to showcase this royal collection.
She Believed She Could So She Did Personalized Music Box
Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to celebrate the women in our life – whether it’s our daughters, sisters, granddaughters, friends or ourselves. This empowering mirrored music box does just that and it features a heart charm engraved with a name to make the message more personal. Boasting a purple ribbon accent and a gorgeous butterfly topper on the lid, this limited-edition music box plays the melody of “You Are So Beautiful” and arrives with a poem card.
She Believed She Could, So She Did Personalized Wish Jar
Looking to empower a special woman in your life? This artisan glass wish jar is a wonderful way to spread positivity and encouragement! Held inside the handcrafted jar are 365 butterfly decorated wish cards that she can read every day of the year as a reminder that she can accomplish great things if she believes in herself. A personalized silvery heart-shaped charm tied to the jar with a satiny purple ribbon provides a beautiful finishing touch. Plus, it plays “You Are So Beautiful” to fill her heart with even more joy.
She Believed She Could So She Did Personalized Ornament
A festive tribute to strong women everywhere, this hand-blown glass ornament is sure to spread holiday cheer. Glittery silvery swirls frame a heartfelt message just for her, and LED lights glow from insideto illuminate the vibrant glass from within, creating warm radiance. Plus, a heart-shaped charm personalized with her name creates a stunning gift she is sure to cherish each Christmas season.
Dr. Maya Angelou Inspirations Wine Glass Collection
Dr. Maya Angelou’s empowering words of wisdom have inspired generations of women all over the world. Now they find beautiful representation in this collection of gorgeous colored wine glasses. Arriving in sets of 2, these glasses feature either a full-color portrait of Dr. Angelou or a meaningful quote from the cultural icon. Every glass undergoes a time-consuming, triple firing process to ensure years of enjoyment. Plus, the rims are enhanced with 12K gold. They’re the perfect way to raise a toast to truly phenomenal women.
Catherine, Princess of Wales Portrait Doll
The timeless elegance of Catherine, Princess of Wales is celebrated in this poseable portrait doll that is expertly handcrafted and hand-painted to capture her authentic likeness. She dons a stunning recreation of the Alexander McQueen gown she wore to the State Banquet, featuring luxurious silk dupioni fabric hand dyed by master artisans. Highly detailed, small-scale recreations of the Princess’s historic jewelry are adorned with faux jewels and complement the stunning gown for a glorious tribute.
If you liked this article, we’d love to recommend a few of our Mother’s Day blog articles as well. After all, honoring the women who inspire us (like our mothers) is something we can do all year long:
Mother’s Day Around the World: Why is it Celebrated on Different Dates?
Our Guide to Writing a Heartfelt Mother’s Day Card Message
Did you enjoy exploring Women’s History Month with us and checking out some of our top picks? We hope so! Whether you’re treating yourself or finding a meaningful gift, we invite you to explore more from The Bradford Exchange, from unique collectibles and fine jewelry to artistic apparel and home decor. We hope you’ll be delighted with what you discover.
Celebrating Women's History Month: Unique Collectibles Inspired by Strong Women by The Bradford Exchange
About The Bradford Exchange
The Gift Advisors @The Bradford Exchange are thrilled to help you discover a wealth of artistic treasures, all of which began with passion. Whether you are looking for that perfect personalized gift or a unique collection for yourself, we are driven to make your shopping experience as joyful as possible and hope you are surprised and delighted with what you find. Thank you for your continued support.
