Activism, Archives, and Representation in Women's History: A Reflection on the Influence of Gerda Lerner in American History

Session Abstract

This panel reflects on the influence of Gerder Lerner on the fields of American, Women’s and African-American history.  Panelists will discuss how Lerner’s scholarship and activism changed the historical profession and why it remains incumbent upon historians to continue to be attentive to how our historical narratives silence certain voices and promote certain truths as more convenient than others.  The panelists will also address the relationship between Lerner’s personal experiences with fascism and social activism and how she envisioned history.