Preston Historical Society’s next talk

Notes for Women – Education and Opportunity
at the Harris Institute during the First World War

This is the title for the talk that the Preston Historical Society has slotted in as an addition to its regular monthly talks to mark Women’s History Month. The speaker is Helen Howell.

Here’s the blurb for the talk taken from the Eventbrite site where you can book your seat (see below):

‘WWI changed British society in profound ways, and the period was especially relevant to women, whose status and role was in transition. The war provided new employment opportunities for women, and Preston’s women wanted to work, though not necessarily in munitions factories, domestic service or the cotton mills.
The Harris Institute, at the request of the Home Office, provided courses in commercial subjects for women, and later added technical subjects for girls, which were met with enthusiasm.
The talk tells the story of the increasing number of women and girls who, by attending evening classes, took advantage of opportunities, even displaying agency, freedom and planning, at a time when their role in society was being challenged. The talk considers the type of women who were willing to invest in training and how that changed over the course of the war.’

The talk is on 25 March at the Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, Preston PR1 2NL. Arrive 2pm for 2.15pm start. The talk is free to members (a good reason to join): non-members can pay on the door £5.

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To be sure of a seat, book on line: