Women who have shaped Idaho
<p>Louise Shadduck was the inspiration for a new database designed by the University of Idaho with the intent of highlighting and preserving the contributions to Idaho's history and contemporary society.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The University of Idaho is launching a new database highlighting the contributions of women to Idaho's history and contemporary society.
On March 31 in the Community Room at the Coeur d'Alene Library, the database will be unveiled during the "Celebrating Idaho's Whole Pride" event. The event is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m.
The project, which is being held in conjunction with Women's History Month, is continually growing. Members of the public are invited to contribute to the database by submitting names and information about women who have shaped Idaho's history.
"To be included in the database, women need to have accomplished something positive outside their own family and friends," a press release from the university states. "They may be connected to Idaho by birth, residence or accomplishment. They can be 'infamous,' or unpopular, as long as they are remembered for something constructive."
While working on a book about Louise Shadduck called "Lioness of Idaho: Louise Shadduck and the Power of Polite," author Mike Bullard discovered dozens of women connected to Idaho with major national and international accomplishments, the release states.
"Their stories are being lost from Idaho's history books. If they are not captured they will be forgotten," Bullard said in the release. "These women are role models, particularly for young women, so that they can see it is possible to aim high and do great things in Idaho."
Bullard partnered with Anne Gaines from the University of Idaho library to develop the new database. The release states other libraries, schools, and historical groups throughout the state were also invited to participate.
To access the database or submit a story, go to idahowomen.org.