MARQUETTE, Mich.— A series of diverse presentations will highlight Northern Michigan University’s celebration of Women's History Month. The topics include a historical look at Ishpeming factory workers, reflections of a world-renowned ceramic sculptor and the personal journey of a children's rights activist. The full schedule follows:

Phyllis Wong will give the first talk, “We Kept Our Town Going: An Oral History of the Gossard Girls,” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, in the Charcoal room of the University Center. Wong will share interviews and research on the women who made female undergarments at the H.W. Gossard factory in Ishpeming in the mid-1900s. Her talk will highlight the way working women enriched the social, economic and political fabric of Upper Peninsula communities. A few of the “Gossard Girls” will also attend the presentation.

Anne Drew Potter, who was named the 2009 Emerging Artist by the National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts, will spend a week at NMU creating a full-size sculpture from start to finish. Potter will also speak about her craft, which deals with the human psyche and her experience as a female entrepreneur. Her opening lecture is Wednesday, March 17, the night before she begins work on the sculpture, and her closing lecture is Thursday, March 25. Both are scheduled for 7 p.m. in West Science 2904B. She will also give pottery demonstrations from 1-4 p.m. March 19-24 in the Art and Design ceramics studio.

Ruth Almen, U.P. regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association, will present “How the Church Ladies Taught Me to Be a Peace and Justice Advocate” at 6 p.m. Monday, March 29, in the Whitman commons. Almen will talk about the path she took to become an activist for children’s rights. Her journey blends her religious beliefs with her efforts to provide justice and stability for children and their families.