‘Winona Women in History’ topic of upcoming women’s reception

Catherine Goddard Smith

WINONA, Minn. – The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at Saint Mary’s University will host a women’s reception Wednesday, March 16, to kick off Women’s History Month.

Guest speaker Jennifer Weaver, assistant director of the Winona County Historical Society, will present “Winona Women in History.”

She will trace the stories of six Winona women who made history including: Winona’s founding “Aunt” Catherine Goddard Smith (1812-1888), African American entrepreneur Emma Shelton (1865-?), educator and daughter of Civil War soldier Mabel Marvin (1876-1955), J.R. Watkins’ daughter and adventurer Grace Watkins King (1877-1975), performer Jeanette Lamberton (1869-1956), and Vaudeville and early film actress Myrtle Huntley (1880-1974).

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Toner Student Center Lounge at 4.30 p.m., and Weaver’s presentation will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the adjoining President’s Room.