OKEMOS - To kick-off National Women's History Month, the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame hosted their annual Women's History Month reception at Meridian Mall last Thursday.

In 1987 Congress officially recognized the month of March as Women's History Month to recognize the amazing achievements of women throughout history.

The Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame is located in Okemos and promotes equality of women by honoring the history and accomplishments of strong, empowering females.

To be considered for the Hall of Fame you must first get nominated and then be voted on by the judges of the organization. Women are recognized in many different fields including athletics, civil rights, education, journalism and media, politics, medicine and more.

The event at Meridian Mall honored recent Hall of Fame inductees with the unveiling of the 2017 Hall of Fame inductee banners.

This year the contemporary inductees included Elizabeth Wetzel, Rosemary Sarri, American Legion Post 535 Nuwarine, Bernice Finley Morton and Mary Kay Henry as well as some historical inductees that were honored past their time. 

Author Norma Lewis was also in attendance to present a brief program about her new book, "Wild Women of Michigan."

Michigan State's all-female a Capella group, Ladies First, was also there to perform.

The Michigan Women's Historical Center will host events throughout the entire month of March to celebrate Women's History Month including Family Saturdays on March 3 and March 17 at the museum and a book discussion on March 29 with Marjorie Spruill, author of "Divided We Stand."

For more information on upcoming events and the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame you can visit the website below.