women's history month | march 2026
Start your $1/day Impactpreserving women’s history in iowa
We all love storytelling. Stories from the past can be entertaining, educational, inspirational, motivational -- sometimes even comical. But in capturing history, women seldom played a featured role and were often left out of the narrative. It was as if women didn’t have a history.
The importance of women’s history was recognized decades ago by Chrysalis founder Louise Noun. During her research for one of her many books, Strong-Minded Women: The Emergence of the Woman-Suffrage Movement in Iowa (1969), she learned that there were few records and little documentation available about Iowa women, their lives, and their accomplishments.
Inspired by the History of Women in America at Radcliffe College, Louise partnered with Mary Louise Smith, a colleague and prominent political figure and women’s rights activist, to establish a special collection documenting Iowa women at the University of Iowa. Their goal: raising $2 million to establish the Louise Noun – Mary Louise Smith Iowa Women’s Archives.
Both women acknowledged that, even though each was willing to contribute, raising this amount of money would be a long, tough job. Louise realized “I had this Frida Kahlo (original painting) that was becoming increasingly valuable every year, and I just thought ‘I’ve got an endowment hanging on my wall’ and I decided to give it.”
And on May 15, 1991, Kahlo’s 1947 painting “Self Portrait with Loose Hair” was auctioned at Christie’s in New York, netting $1.5 million to establish the Iowa Women’s Archives at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. The purchase price set a record for work by a Latin American Artist and kicked off both publicity and donations in support of the Archives. The Archives formally opened on October 29, 1992.
In the decades since its opening, over 1,200 manuscript collections, as well as oral histories, celebrations, and exhibitions now document the remarkable accomplishments of Iowa women. Be sure to plan a visit soon!
If you missed last week's story or our history, click here.
iowa women's archives
Established in 1992, and inspired by the vision of its founders, the Louise Noun – Mary Louise Smith Iowa Women’s Archives nourishes creative research, learning, and teaching by providing collections and a separate space dedicated to the women of Iowa and their history. The Archives fulfills its mission by collecting and making available primary sources about the history of Iowa women from all walks of life. Learn more about the Iowa Women's Archives here.
strong-minded women in iowa
Committed to record women’s history, Louise Noun authored four books on feminism in Iowa, along with her own history through her autobiography, Journey to Autonomy: A Memoir (1990).
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did you know...
At Chrysalis After-School we teach girls to capture their stories?
Storytelling is a powerful tool for helping girls understand themselves and their place in the world. A now-retired Chrysalis After-School facilitator often reminded students that “if you don’t think for yourself, someone else will do it for you,” a message that sits at the heart of our approach.
Through guided journaling, participants reflect on their experiences, values, challenges, and aspirations, building the confidence to name their own stories rather than letting others define them. Journaling creates space for girls to process emotions, explore identity, and practice self-expression in a supportive environment.
Girls also have the option to share their entries privately with their Chrysalis After-School Facilitator, who reads and responds confidentially, creating a trusted space for reflection, encouragement, and thoughtful dialogue that helps each student feel seen, heard, and supported.
Be part of her story here.
be part of her story
Join the Chrysalis 365 Donor Circle and be part of what happens next for girls and women! Just $30/month powers lasting change for girls and women in Greater Des Moines.
Chrysalis Foundation is currently accepting proposals for bookkeeping services. View the RFP and submission details here.