What is “Lighting the Way”?
“Lighting the Way” explores the historical impact of women from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who shaped their SouthCoast communities, the nation, and the world. The Project is unearthing remarkable stories of women’s callings that required grit, tenacity, and enduring commitment to their families, careers, and communities. Take part in this amazing event on AHA! New Bedford night with the launch of “Lighting the Way” historic walking trail, website, and mobile app.
Historic Walking Trail: The walking trail will take you from landmark to landmark around New Bedford which highlight brave, strong women who crusaded for social justice during their time. This launches on Thursday July, 12th 2018 with their first event.
Website: The Lighting the Way website will house these fascinating stories of educators and philanthropists, abolitionists and crusaders for social justice, investors and confectioners, and more. This launches on Thursday, July 12th 2018 with their first event.
Mobile App: An online application for use with smart phones is also being developed to guide visitors on the trail walk through recordings for each woman.
School Curriculum: Giving participating schools new ways to engage students in a more inclusive telling of history
The Marion Connection
The Marion Institute has a connection to one of the lead organizers of this event: Chrissie Bascom, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Trustee, and Project Designer of this event is a prominent founder of the Marion Institute as part of the “Hunchbunch.” Additionally, she sits on the associate board of the Marion Institute today. She has spent countless hours organizing this event and the Marion Institute is very excited to attend.
One of Marion’s own historic women, Elizabeth Taber will be featured on the walking tour. Elizabeth Taber (1791-1888) or “Marion’s Fairy Godmother” is the town’s most significant benefactress. She used her personal wealth to benefit the Town of Marion by funding the Town Library, the First Congressional Church Chapel, and the Marion Music Hall. Additionally, she also founded Tabor Academy in 1876 which still operates today as a leading private boarding school in Marion.
Learn more about the free launch event HERE
Help support this project HERE
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