The Women's Coffeehouse records

The Women's Coffeehouse began in October 1979 when a small group of women from the Women's Educational Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts met to discuss plans to open a Coffeehouse operated by and for women. They felt that women of all ages, nationalities, body types, economic status, and disabilities lacked a space to safely enjoy cultural activities together. The objective of the Women's Coffeehouse was to provide "an active, participative, grass roots environment" (The Women's Coffeehouse, Event Schedule, February-April 1989) for local women to develop their own community despite their personal political affiliations. In December of 1979, the first Coffeehouse was held with Marjorie Parsons as guest speaker. For the next ten years the Coffeehouse remained open, sponsoring performances that included local musicians, writers, speakers and activists such as Hillary Kay, Nancy Aberle, Beth Hodges, Linda Brown, Pamela Gray, Sharon Kennedy, and Betsy Zelchin. These weekly performances were intended to spark discourse among women in the community about their shared issues and concerns. Although the core organizers of the Women's Coffeehouse were feminists, they were careful to reach out to all women and make them feel welcome.