Cathy Bonner

Whether working with the Women’s Caucus at the Texas Legislature or as the former President of the Foundation for Women’s Resources, Cathy Bonner’s activism has always been on behalf of improving women’s lives. One of Cathy’s more remarkable endeavors, although there have been many, was establishing the first and only women’s museum. In four short years, she and her colleagues raised over $30 million dollars, part of which includes the largest donation ever to a women’s cause by SBC Communications, Inc.. Today, The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, is fulfilling Cathy Bonner's vision of a state-of-the-art facility chronicling women’s contributions, offering programs and hands-on educational programming. Why is the museum so important? Bonner replies, it is extremely important to teach future generations “so they never forget that they are standing on the shoulders of some very brave and courageous women.”

View Cathy Bonner's video or read the transcript

Learn More

• National Women’s Political Caucus
• Foundation for Women’s Resources
• The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future
• Smithsonian Institute

• Women's Contributions
  
  Trustee: Cathy Bonner
  Grade: 7-12
  Time: 85-90 minutes
  Description: Students will use textbooks to explore how women are presented in history.
  
  
• The Value of A Museum
  
  Trustee: Cathy Bonner
  Grade Level: 9-10
  Subjects: Humanities, History, Civics
  Time: 45-50 minutes
  Description: Students will explore the differences and similarities beween museums and other places of learning.
  
  
• Networking for Nonprofits
  
  Trustee: Cathy Bonner
  Grade Level: 7-8,9-12
  Subjects: Civic Education, Government
  Time: 85-90 minutes
  Description: Help students recognize the importance of networking and fundraising for businesses and non-profit organization.
  
  
• Involved for Change
  
  Trustee: Cathy Bonner, Barney Flores, or Barbara Brown
  Grade: 10-12
  Time: 90 minutes
  Description: Students will complete a biographical sketch of a local community leader.
  
  
• (Re) Presenting Women
  
  Trustee: Cathy Bonner
  Grade Level: 6-8
  Time: 50-60 minutes
  Description: Students will research a civil liberities issue in women's history and create a mock museum exhibit.
  
  

AND if desired,
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