Wearing a button proclaiming “Write Women Back Into History,” Valerie Quinney described Women’s History Month as “a month of consciousness-raising and education.”

After a five-year delay, Congress declared in 1987 that each March will be National Women’s History Month.

A variety of speakers, films, exhibits, and special events are planned on campus in celebration of the month. Lives of rural women and their historic contribution is the focus of the 1989 celebration.

Jane Curry, historian and humorist, is the featured speaker tonight at 8 p.m. in Sandburg Auditorium. She will present “Samantha Rastles the Woman Question,” a free program described by Quinney as similar to a Mark Twain monologue. Curry has done extensive research on the topic, and delivers her speech as several rustic characters.

Other events include the Cine Club’s presentation of the films “Places in the Heart,” Friday in Cole Auditorium at 7:30 p.m., and “Days of Heaven,” March 23 in Sandburg Auditorium at 8:45 p.m.

Beginning Saturday, the Holmes Student Center Gallery will feature a traveling exhibit of historic photographs of midwestern farm women. The exhibit consisting of 70 photos will illustrate the social, technological and economic impact of rural women.

A brown bag luncheon on maintaining self-esteem is scheduled March 22 at noon in Wirtz House, 305 Normal Road.

Two lectures are planned March 23 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Fireside Room in Adams Hall. Michael Martin will present “Women’s Roles in the Transference of Farms from one Generation to the Next” and James Lankford will speak on “Women’s Role in Securing Communication Services in the Farm Family.” There is a $3.50 fee for both lectures.

Lecture reservations can be made by calling 753-1895. For information on other Women’s History Month activities, call Wirtz House at 753-1038.