For the Spring 2020 Public History Practicum Class project, CSU Fullerton History students dove into the archives of the Women in Politics and Activism Oral History Collection to study and showcase the legacies of activism and political work of women in Southern California. Their research reveals the dynamic efforts and steps women took to secure social justice and political change for their communities, the region, and the nation. Below are the links to the student projects. Together these stories offer inspiration and serve as a reminder of the hope and change that can come from one person's actions.

The Women in Politics and Activism Oral History Collection is housed at the CSUF's Center for Oral and Public History. The collection traces the experiences of women who have engaged in political efforts since the 1950s. It includes over 300 oral histories of women who have worked at local, state, and national levels in a vast range of issues that span the political spectrum.

To bring these stories to life, students used adobe spark to create publicly engaging websites that tell the story of women's activism and political engagement in Southern California. Students conducted primary research of archival material and curated a digital exhibition exploring themes and topics such as leadership styles, strategies for change, grass roots activism, and political campaigns - to name a few. Students had several digital history workshops and trainings with with Colleen Greene, CSU Fullerton Digital Literacy Librarian.

Organized into smaller groups, Public History Practicum students used four key themes to frame the stories selected from the WPA Collection: Equity, Inclusion, Service, and Safety. Students also researched various timelines tracing women's activism since 1940 to offer a broader context of women's activism. Below are the links to group and individual projects.