Catalina Island Museum presents Celebrating Women of Avalon: Past and Present

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Catalina Island Museum honored past and present women of Avalon during a virtual event on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Numerous women have impacted the island's history and continue to bring about change and progress. The program began with special guest Susan Danish from the National Women's History Museum who shared the history of Women's History Month and why it is important to highlight the accomplishments of women in our history. The NWHM is a museum and an American history organization founded in 1996 that researches, collects and exhibits the contributions of women to the social, cultural, economic and political life of our nation in a context of world history.

Historic figures featured:
Blanche Trask, botanist and scientist presented by Steve Junak researcher, flora expert and recently retired Herbarium Curator from the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Mrs. Emily Parker who took over her husband’s taxidermy business in 1924 and reportedly became the world’s first female taxidermist.

Lucille Wilde, Avalon’s first female lifeguard will come to life through her children, who will share images and her stories.

Dorothy Shepard, a groundbreaking graphic designer who along with her husband, Otis, branded and promoted Catalina Island, as well as Wrigley’s Gum and the Chicago Cubs.

Throughout the program, a number of leading women in Avalon shared their stories and advice. These women include Avalon’s Mayor Annie Marshall, Mayor Pro-Tem Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy, City Councilmember Sarah De La Rosa, store owner Renee Hubbard, fitness, health and wellness instructor Natalie Campazzie, store owner Rosa Miller and Zale Parry, pioneer scuba diver, underwater photographers and actress.