Fiery and Fierce

Fiery and Fierce: Katharine Houghton and the Work for Women’s Rights

In honor of Women’s History Month, Jessica Jenkins, Executive Director of the Litchfield Historical Society, will explore the activism of Katharine Houghton, mother of Katharine Hepburn.  

Katharine Houghton ardently campaigned for women’s rights, suffrage, and access to birth control, picketing the White House for women’s right to vote, forming the American Birth Control League (that later became Planned Parenthood) with Margaret Sanger, and supporting equal legal rights for women. Learn more about Katharine Houghton’s incredible life and fiery spirit at this in-person Museum Talk, followed by an audience Q & A.

Jessica D. Jenkins is the Executive Director of the Litchfield Historical Society, in Litchfield, CT. Prior to coming to Litchfield she served as Vice President of Collections and Storytelling at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie, IN. She holds a B.A. in History from Quincy University, Quincy, IL, and an M.A. in Public History from Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT. While in Indiana, Jenkins oversaw the creation of the national award-winning exhibition, “Bob Ross Experience,” served as an associate producer for the Emmy-nominated documentary, “Bob Ross Experience,” and collaborated with colleagues to develop the award-winning museum theatre production, “In My Hands, In My Heart.” At Litchfield, she oversees all operations of the Litchfield Historical Society, working with a talented team to document, collect, and interpret the history of the community. Through a robust offering of programs; exhibitions at the Litchfield History Museum and Tapping Reeve House and Law School; the Tapping Reeve Meadow; the organization’s research library; and community collaboration the historical society builds a sense of place, pride, and contemplation amongst residents and visitors. In addition to her role in Litchfield, Jenkins has authored several publications on topics ranging from woman suffrage to World War I poster art, including the 2020 book, Exploring Women’s Suffrage Through 50 Historic Treasures. She has served the museum and local history fields through service on various organizational boards, committees, and task forces, including work with the American Association for State and Local History and the National Council on Public History.