CWU's Blair To Discuss Women In Northwest Politics

April 19, 2004

Contact: Karen J. Blair (509-963-1656/fax 509-963-1654/e-mail: blairk@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- In 1992, there were only two women in the U.S. Senate. Today, that number is 14. An exhibit of photos focusing on female senators, by Seattle-based photojournalist Melina Mara, titled "Changing the Face of Power," is on display through Sunday, April 25, at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle.

In conjunction with that exhibition, Dr. Karen Blair, Central Washington University history professor, will present a public lecture at MOHAI on Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m.

Titled "Women in Northwest Politics Before Women Could Vote," it will emphasize the success volunteers had in lobbying for change through women's organizations in Washington and Oregon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to Blair.

The presentation is $7 for the general public and free to MOHAI members. For more information about Blair's presentation call (206) 324-1126.

Recognized as an outstanding teaching professor, Blair was named the university's distinguished research professor in 1999. She has chaired the CWU history department since 1998 after joining the CWU faculty in 1987.