"What we do about history matters. The often repeated saying that those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them has a lot of truth in it. But what are 'the lessons of history'? The very attempt at definition furnishes ground for new conflicts. History is not a recipe book; past events are never replicated in the present in quite the same way. Historical events are infinitely variable and their interpretations are a constantly shifting process. There are no certainties to be found in the past." - Gerda Lerner
Gerda Lerner, whose work helped make "women's history" a legitimate focus for serious academic study, died on January 2 in Wisconsin at age 92. Read a few of her choice words about women's history and other topics:
Some obituaries:
Comments
Gerda Lerner was a scholar/activist who inspired many with her pioneering work opening up the field of women’s history. Her groundbreaking work on the Grimke Sisters of South Carolina was one of the inspirations that led me to research Ernestine Rose. Her memoir Fireweed highlighted her life as an community activist prior to becoming an academic “star.” She was a refugee from Nazi Germany/Austria who contributed so much to her adopted land. She will be missed by students, colleagues, and feminists of the community and the academy.