Datebook: May 10 - Victoria Woodhull Becomes First Woman To Run for U.S. President 140 Years Ago

Victoria Woodhull was an American leader of the women's suffrage movement, an an advocate for women's freedoms in marriage and divorce. She and her sister were the first women to operate a brokerage firm in Wall Street; she was the first woman to start a weekly newspaper; and in 1872, became the first woman nominated for President of the United States, in the Equal Rights Party. She was arrested for obscenity a few days before the election, for publishing an account of an alleged affair involving a prominent minister and a young woman. She received no electoral votes. Reforms and ideals espoused by Woodhull favored the working class, against the corrupt capitalist elite, an issue highly controversial in her time  - and in many ways taken for granted today.

It’s Thursday, May 10

The sixth annual Evening of Performance is tomorrow night at the Carson Center in Paducah.  The free event features a wide variety of performers, including dance groups, a gospel band, poets, a string ensemble, a children’s handbell choir, a comedy routine, and more.  Doors open at 6:15, and the event starts at 7. 

The Downtown Paris Association Barbecue Cookoff is scheduled for Saturday on the lawn of the Henry County courthouse.  The competition runs from 11 to 1.  The public chooses the winners by stopping at the booths, tasting the barbecue, and casting ballots.  Find more information online at visitdowntownparis.com.

Land Between the Lakes hosts a Birding Bonanza on Saturday.  Enjoy guided walks, learn to identify common birds, get tips on attracting birds to your backyard, build your own nest, go on a scavenger hunt, and more.  Activities will take place at the Nature Station from 9AM to 4PM.  There’s a complete schedule of events at lbl.org.

See more community events at wkms.org.