Mankato YWCA Women of Distinction History Exhibit

The purpose of this project is to chart the history of the Mankato YWCA through its Women of Distinction Award. The Mankato YWCA has recognized two to three women annually with this award since 1973 and recognizes prominent women in the Greater Mankato community who have lived the goals and mission of the YWCA. Those goals include eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Since 1973, the YWCA has honored 139 women and 5 community organizations for their leadership, significant impact on the community and their dedication to the YWCA's mission. The efforts of these women have helped others to live independently, combat ignorance and gender violence and provide community assistance. Examining the history of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award provides audiences with an important window into the broader experience of women and the social, cultural and political history of the Greater Mankato region over the past four decades.

The project will create two duplicate sets of eight exhibit banners that document the history of the Women of Distinction Award for the public. The material for the exhibit banners will come from over a semester of background research into the history of the YWCA, the Mankato YWCA and the Greater Mankato region by the Minnesota State University-Mankato Department of History. The project will also include at least ten oral history interviews of YWCA administrators and past award recipients. The funds requested will help fund the design and production of the banners. Each set of banners will be used to raise awareness of the mission of the YWCA and the positive contributions made by recipients and will be displayed throughout the region in public libraries, schools as well as public events and venues.