Athens Welcomes Historian for Insightful Discussion on Pioneering Female Politician
In a significant event for history enthusiasts, the University of Georgia will host a visit from author and historian Lorissa Rinehart, who will discuss her recent work on Jeannette Rankin, an influential figure in American politics. Rankin holds the distinction of being the first woman elected to the United States House of Representatives and was a notable resident of Athens.
Jeannette Rankin, born in Montana in 1880, served in Congress during both World Wars. Rinehart’s book, Winning the Earthquake, marks the first major biography of Rankin in two decades. This Tuesday, November 18th, Rinehart will be at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies to delve into the life and legacy of Rankin.
The historian’s research heavily relied on the extensive archives available at the Russell Library. “The research at the Russell Library is the crown jewel in my book. At the Russell Library is the collected oral histories conducted by Ted Harris, who was a graduate student studying in the 1960s,” Rinehart explained. “He went to her house and interviewed her for over 100 hours about her entire life. Because of that I was really able to bring Jeannette’s point of view and voice and her own experience into writing winning the earthquake.”
Through these oral histories, Rinehart uncovered deeper insights into Rankin’s political endeavors, notably her opposition to the World Wars and her advocacy for voting rights expansion.
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation, based in Athens, played a crucial role in supporting the book’s creation. This nonprofit organization supports the education of women, and its CEO, Karen Sterk, emphasized the book’s impact: “Lorissa’s book made her a complete 360 human being that I feel like I understand so much better,” she stated. “Learning the context of the situation she was in, and what motivated her to do what—it reads like a novel.”
The highlight of Rinehart’s visit will be the annual Jeannette Rankin Legacy Lecture on November 18th at 3 pm, also held at the Russell Library on the University of Georgia’s campus.
For those interested in more details, the full interview with Lorissa Rinehart, Karen Sterk, and Emma Auer is available above.
