.jpg)
Although it tends to be the coldest area of the Museum, the objects on display in the Breaking Boundaries first floor exhibit are worth putting a sweater on for. As you first enter the room you come upon an inspiring wall of women athletes from history with their bios on giant sports cards. In the middle of the room are examples of men’s and women’s athletic equipment showing the difference between the two (women’s equipment is smaller). On the opposite wall are some wonderful athletic outfits, uniforms and equipment. The women highlighted in this exhibit area have broken aviation records, traveled to space, climbed the highest mountain, and triumphed in every sport. Growing up I participated in many team and individual sports and was fortunate to have women like Mia Hamm and Picabo Street as role models. I can’t imagine a time when women were not allowed to be a part of competitive activities just because they were female. Women have certainly come along way over the past century and continue to break boundaries on all fronts of sports and adventure. A perfect example of this is represented by one of my favorite objects on display. Back in 2006 we all heard about the woman who wanted to play football, Katie Hnida. She was the kicker for the University of Colorado and made major headlines. However, little did many of us know back then, and even now, that there has been an Independent Women’s Football league in existence since 2000. As their website boasts “The IWFL was founded by a group of women dedicated to making the sport a household name. The IWFL currently has over 1600 women playing the sport for 41 teams across North America” (www.iwflsports.com). The Women’s Museum represents this league with the New York Sharks women’s football team jersey that has been on display since 2002.
Although women have competed in hundreds of traditionally male oriented sports and games, American football is one that is greatly fueled by masculinity and male camaraderie, not only on the field amongst players but just as strongly amongst its fans. So the idea of women playing this hard hitting contact sport has not always been easily accepted. As a former rugby player I got many comments that I am sure these women hear all the time, “women shouldn’t hit each other” and “it’s not lady like”. Despite her biggest critics, Andra Douglas pursued her passion and became the owner of the New York Sharks in August of 2000. Hear about her amazing story from being a football fan as a young girl, to a player of the game and finally to owner of her own women’s team in this YouTube interview. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evEmq9zPl2o
The New York Sharks, once the flag football team from Long-Island, had a great beginning. After being approach by the Women’s Football League, who in 1999 only had two teams participating: the Minnesota Vixens and the Lake Michigan Minx, the flag team accepted the challenge to switch to tackle. They took on the Vixens just two months later and won 12-6. The Sharks have been going strong ever since.
We have enjoyed having their uniform on display next to the tennis outfit of Cindy Brinker Simmons, an athletic uniform form the 1930s, Babe Didrikson’s golf clubs and Michelle Kwan’s ice-skate. It reminds women of every age that we can achieve anything and break stereotypes and social standards. Check and see if your state or city has a women’s football team. Texas is home to two Women’s Football League teams, the Dallas Diamonds and the Houston Energy. Or come by The Women’s Museum to learn more about all the sports women participate in and the great accomplishments that have come from it!
Check out the New York Sharks at http://nysharksfootball.com/index.cfm
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}