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Driving Forces

100+ Years of Women Influencing Automobiles

From the start, women have been buying, designing, driving, and racing automobiles! Explore the impact female pioneers had on the automobile industry with Barbara Barrett. (In person/online)

From the very start, women have been right there next to men – influencing, buying, designing, driving, and racing automobiles! Although largely overlooked, the history of women and automobiles is nothing less than fascinating. Beginning in 1888 with Bertha Benz’ historic long-distance outing in a horseless carriage, we’ll explore a host of female automotive pioneers including Alice Huyler Ramsey, the first woman to drive across the United States; Helene Rother, one of the first female auto designers at General Motors (GM); the need for speed women of auto racing; Mary Barra, the first female CEO at GM; and several other notables.

Registration is required. 

You may attend this program in person at the library, or may attend virtually/online.

To register, select either "Register to Attend Online" or "Register to Attend In Person." Online attendees MUST provide a valid e-mail address.

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