Smart Talk: Women’s History Month focus on Hannah Callowhill Penn

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, March 25, 2014:

Who was Hannah Callowhill Penn? Yes, she was the second wife of Pennsylvania founder William Penn, but a case can be made that Pennsylvania would be a much different place today if wasn’t for Hannah Penn.

As part of Smart Talk’s Women’s History Month discussion, we examine the life and contributions of Hannah Callowhill Penn on Tuesday’s program.

A little over three hundred years ago, William Penn suffered a series of debilitating strokes that left him incapacitated. His wife took over the official business of running the province.

Raised as a Quaker who believed in the equality of women, Penn had received a good business education in England.

She used it when settling a boundary dispute with Maryland and paying off the debts her husband owed.

We learn more about Hannah Penn from James Vaughan, executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Kirsten Page, the Deputy Director of Commonwealth Media Services who worked closely with First Lady Susan Corbett to recognize the contributions of Hannah Penn to the Commonwealth. The Corbetts unveiled a portrait of Mrs. Penn in the governor’s office last week that will be displayed with the paintings of other Pennsylvania governors.

Also, Dr. Daisy Century tells the stories of women who made history in a unique way. She is a historical interpreter as well as an actress, educator, and writer. Dr. Century joins us on Tuesday’s program as well.

Listen to the program:

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