Museum Archives

Exhibits & Activities - 2006 (click on links to view details)

Connections - Past & Present
April 29, 2006

11:00AM–1:00PM - Representatives from area historical societies presented information on the Civil War and how to research ancestry. 1:00-1:30PM - After the Civil War, there were 67,000 missing soldiers. Clara Barton organized the first Missing Soldiers Office in Washington D.C. Cathy Woods, Clara Barton Museum Director/Curator, and Civil War enactors will tell the story of how Clara collaborated with politicians and soldiers to find out the fates of 22,000 Civil War soldiers with a particular focus on the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia.

Clara Barton Tea
April 29, 2006

Throughout history, women and men have collaborated to accomplish tasks that appeared to most observers to be impossible. After the Civil War, there were 67,000 missing soldiers. As the first Director of the Missing Soldiers Office in Washington D.C.  Clara collaborated with politicians and soldiers to find out the fates of 22,000 Civil War soldiers. Clara’s collaborative effort ensured that those who gave their lives during the Civil War were not forgotten and that their families were notified about the fate of their loved ones.

            “Think only of the need and the impossible is accomplished.”
                                                 Clara Barton (1821-1912)

Along with tea and refreshments provided by Shirley Nolin of Shirley’s Fine Chocolates in North Attleboro, participants were treated with Civil War music and visits by Civil War enactors. A delectable assortment of Incredible Chocolates, Pastries, Tea Sandwiches, Scones with Lemon Curd, Clotted Cream, Fine Jams & Flavored Butters was served.   Favors: History of Victorian Tea & an edible Chocolate Tea Po. Complimentary Drawing: Chocolate Tea Set ($55 value)

Honoring Christa McAuliffe and  the Challenger Seven -
20th Anniversary - January 28th, 2006

"A compelling and honest account of Challenger’s “Teacher in Space” mission...
an inspiring tribute to a true American Hero." - Buzz Aldrin

In honor of the 20^th anniversary of the loss of the Challenger, the Women at Work Museum previewed the film Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars. Narrated by Susan Sarandon with original songs by Carly Simon, the film was voted “Best Documentary” during the annual High Falls Film Festival in Rochester, NY.

As one of the Challenger Seven, Christa McAuliffe’s poignant statement about her mission in life, “I touch the future. I teach,” and her participation in the space program initiated a new era of respect for women, teachers, and education.

Together we can share the legendary accomplishments of Christa and find out why Ken Burns in his comments about the film says, "This is a riveting and unusually moving story..."

The closing honored the women and men in the space program - Apollo I, January 27, 1967, the Challenger, January 28, 1986, and on the Columbia, May 24, 2002.

Program Speakers:

Major Tanya Markow, Instructor and Course Director, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Major Markow is traveling from New York just for this event. With her she brings stories of learning to fly, pushing the envelope, and the 1^st Columbia launch and how it inspired her at the age of seven to pursue a career in aviation.  

 Larry Kessler, news editor for The Sun Chronicle, will be speaking about his experiences as a reporter at the time of the Challenger event. He will share his thoughts on how it was a definable moment for the nation and the world.  Focus - importance of space exploration – honor efforts of space pioneers, especially those women and men who gave their lives to explore space on Apollo I, January 27, 1967, the Challenger, January 28, 1986, and on the Columbia, May 24, 2002

Nancy Young, President of the Attleboro Jewelry Makers will describe the link Attleboro has to the space program as well as her personal connection to Astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison.

Aeronauts & Astronauts
June 13, 2006

Collaborative • Competent • Courageous  

Years of rigorous study and demanding physical training are required for those who fly the skies or explore space. What makes people want to fly or explore space? For some it is for national defense or scientific research and for others it is for the challenge and the excitement. The public came and met the people who fly and explore space in two related events.

The first event, "Reach for the Stars Space Exploration - the need, the excitement, the danger" was held at the Attleboro High School Auditorium. The featured speaker was Grace Corrigan, mother of Challenger crew member, Krista McAuliffe.

The second event, "Women Who Fly Reception - Flying the Skies - for research, for work, for pleasure" took place at the Women at Work Museum. Guest Speakers were Lucy Young, naval jet pilot and Dr. Karen Panetta, member of the astronaut pool.

Attendees had a chance to ask these burning questions: What is it like to fly a jet, a Piper Tomahawk, or a UH-1 Huey for pleasure, business, or military intelligence. There was also the the opportunity to explore all aspects of the aviation and space exploration industry with Lynda Meeks - Army Reserves and Fight Options pilot • Georgia Pappas – Ninety-Nines • Anne Umphrey - Helicopter Pilot and Owner Concord Copters • Dr. Karen Panetta - member NASA Astronaut Pool • Mary Liscombe - Associate Director McAuliffe Challenger Learning Center and many others including Grace Corrigan and Lucy Young.

Hosted by:  Attleboro Public Schools • American Legion Post 49 and Post 115 •
Ninety-Nines • Whirly Girls • Women in Aviation, Atlantic Chapter •
Women Veterans’ Network •

Recognized in Congress
August 2, 2006

On August 2, 2006 the contributions the Women at Work Museum (WAWM) makes to the community were recognized by Congressman James McGovern and its efforts to provide programs that support the achievement of all individuals became part of the Congressional Record of the 109^th Congress. This recognition was made possible by the efforts of hundreds of collaborators from the community, throughout Massachusetts, and across the United States

Reaching for the Stars

2006 Auction & Reception
 

This fundraising event took place on September 20, 2006 to raise funds so the Museum can continue to honor the achievements of women and their contributions to the communities in which they lived and worked, escpecially in the areas of math, science, engineering and technology,

Entertainment • Culinary Delights • Silent & Live Auctions

Financial Education Series
March - October, 2006

The Women at Work Museum’s financial education series classes for 2005 istitled Singled-Minded  because women are spending more of their lives on their own.

Kelly Fox, Treasurer of the Museum and a Certified Financial Planner with American Express Financial Advisors, is coordinating the series, which has been designed to be help women learn about several areas that tend to be of particular concern in a woman’s life. All classes were presented free of charge at the Museum at 35 County St., Attleboro on the 4th Wednesday of the month.

March 22, 2006 - Education Planning
The Women at Work Museum’s financial education classes, titled Singled-Minded, began it’s third year on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 35 County Street in Attleboro.  Neil Hause, Senior Vice President, Fidelity Investments was the guest speaker.  Hause’s topic, “Education Planning” is an overview of savings options for education expenses.  The class helped attendees better understand investing for education and the important role it plays in planning for their financial future.

April 26, 2006 Investment Strategies
This class focused on Investment Strategies.  Kelly D. Fox, CFP^®, Financial Advisor and Maxine F. Johnson, CFP^® Associate Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Plainville, discussed organizing your financial goals, asset allocation, diversification, investment personalities and how much of a nest egg is needed.  The class helped attendees better understand their options so as to make informed decisions and the important role these decisions play in planning for their financial future.

May 24, 2006 Personalized Estate Planning
This class focused on Personalized Estate Planning.  Maxine F. Johnson, CFP^® Associate Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Plainville, discussed how to determine your net worth, the importance of beneficiaries, minimizing income tax, capital gains tax and estate tax, maintaining retirement income while giving to your heirs and understanding trusts and why you might want one.  The class helped attendees better understand their options so as to make informed decisions and the important role these decisions play in planning for their financial future.

June 28, 2006 Socially Responsible Investing
Anthony Eames, Senior Vice President, Calvert Investments was the guest speaker.  Eames’ topic,
“Socially Responsible Investing” addressed how you can reach your financial goals without compromising your values. Attendees learned more about the building blocks of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) including Social Research, Shareholder Advocacy, Community Investing and Social Venture Capital Investing.  The class also helped attendees better understand their options so as to make informed decisions and the important role these decisions play in planning for their financial future.

July 26, 2006 Social Security
Don Vinitti, a field representative for the over 25 years with the Social Security Administration, was the guest speaker.  Vinitti’s topic, “What Women Should Know About Social Security” was an overview of the Social Security program including discussions around widowhood and divorce as well as retirement and disability benefits.  The class helped attendees better understand their Social Security protection and the important role it plays in planning for their financial future.

September 28, 2005 - You and the Art of Vehicle Maintenance
This class focused on maintaining a vehicle.  Sara Achin, General Manager of Achin’s Garage, North Attleboro explained “what’s under the hood,” suggests questions to ask your mechanic and give tips on do-it-yourself maintenance.  Sara is the 4^th Generation in this family business which was established in 1918.  The class was intended to help attendees better understand their options so as to make informed decisions and the important role this decision plays in planning for their financial future.

September 27, 2006 Dream Book – Retirement Planning Beyond the Numbers
This class focused on Retirement Planning.  Kelly D. Fox, CFP^®, Financial with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Plainville, will discuss the importance of:  defining your dreams for retirement, envisioning the life you hope to live in retirement, and retiring TO something instead of FROM something.  The class helped attendees better understand their options so as to make informed decisions and the important role these decisions play in planning for their financial future.

October 25, 2006 Tax Planning
This class focused on the tax preparation and filing process.  Robert M. Bibeault, CPA, of Walter & Shuffain, PC of Norwood, MA will discuss preparing tax information throughout the year, organizing data for your accountant and meeting with your accountant for the tax return preparation process. General tax savings tips as well as updates on recent changes in the tax laws will be discussed. The class helped attendees better understand their options so as to make informed decisions and the important role this decision plays in planning for their financial future.