CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Mary Sieminski (left) converses with Peggy Yohn of Montgomery during a gathering at Tivoli United Methodist Church on May 7. The Williamsport native's program focused on the "Lycoming County Women's History Collection".

TIVOLI – Since 2006, Mary Sieminski began to fulfill her longtime desire to locate and preserve documents pertaining to the lives and contributions made to the community by the women of Lycoming County. Sieminski became so engrossed in her research that she said, “All my friends are in the nineteenth century; you could say I’m passionate about my work.”

The retired college librarian spoke to a group of 31 women during a bi-weekly gathering at the Tivoli United Methodist Church on May 7.

The speaker was aware that documents, photographs, diaries and letters pertaining to the lives, work and accomplishments of women existed. “When I read through such county histories as those by Meginnes and Lloyd, you can count on your fingers the number attributed to women,” the researcher said.

Of the challenge to document women by way of lists and records, Sieminski said, “We must remember women had no vote, could not own property, were barred from appearing in court on their own behalf, and had limited work choices.”

The speaker shared that she had personal reasons for delving into such a project being that she is a great-granddaughter of a Scottish immigrant who was a maid in the Peter Herdic household.

“I was motivated with whom women were and what they did,” she said.

Locating the former Williamsport School of Nursing records and knowing the names of the graduates she was looking for, Sieminski gleaned through first hand accounts which made time the essence in documenting this group. It was imperative to obtain a grant for that purpose.

The results of her research so far brought about the “Lycoming County Women’s History Collection,” an online source on materials relating to the history of women in Lycoming County. With over 15,000 pages of material which highlights the history of local women in volunteer and reform organizations, education, the arts, the workplace, and in their private lives from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, these analogies are now documented for everyone to read.

Sieminski challenges everyone who has in their possession diaries or letters pertaining to women to consider sharing them.

In her column printed in the Sun-Gazette the second Sunday of every month, readers can follow more of Seiminski’s uncoverings.

In 2011, and using the Women’s History Collection, Hughesville native, Dr. Amy Rogers compiled a curriculum guide. It provides lesson plans and educational modules designed for middle and secondary school students.

Rogers wrote, “The stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength. Until relatively recently, this sphere of women’s history was overlooked and undervalued. Women’s achievements were often distorted, disdained, and denied. However, knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone. Moreover, role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century.”

The Lycoming County Women’s History Collection’s digital repository can be accessed by exploring its website at www.lycoming.edu/orgs/lcwhc.