Name change is the first for the “Legacy of Women” initiative to recognize historical women in public spaces
On Saturday, August 15, Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site will be renamed to include the name of Nathan Boone’s wife, Olive. The name change is the first for Legacy of Women, a Women’s Foundation initiative to recognize women’s historical contributions in state parks, historic sites, and other public spaces.
“What we celebrate and honor about the past impacts how we understand the present,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We want the next generation of women to be able to see themselves – and be inspired and empowered by – the changemakers of the past. We’re proud to be launching this initiative to write women back into history and give them the long-overdue recognition they deserve.”
Olive Boone was a tough woman who managed a farm and household with 14 children during a time when women had no legal rights. She is buried near the cabin at the historic site that will now carry her name.
The renaming from Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site to the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site will take place with a ceremony and ribbon cutting in Ash Grove at 2 p.m. on August 15. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed as precautionary measures for attendees amid ongoing public health concerns.
Women’s Foundation, which works to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership, collaborated with The Missouri Department of Natural Resources to plan the name change.
“Valued, long-lasting partnerships are essential to success. Without our partnership with the Women’s Foundation, the recognition of Olive and her role in Missouri’s history would not have happened in such a significant and successful way,” said Mike Sutherland, Missouri State Parks Director. “We hope that this is just one of many collaborations we will have with the Women’s Foundation as Missouri State Parks recognizes the significant contribution of women to Missouri.”
Last year, the Women’s Foundation worked with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to rename Van Meter State Park to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park.