History comes to life

Speaker Van Ann Moore brought to life Carrie Wooster Tingley and Katherine Kennedy O’Conner to the delight of the audience during the seventh annual Women’s History Brunch and Exhibit on Friday at the Portales Public Library.

Moore described the contributions and accomplishments of Tingley and O’Conner during the 1920s and 1930s in Albuquerque.

Tingley was devoted to helping underprivileged children and helped found the Carrie Tingley Hospital for Children.

O’Conner, an actress, established the Albuquerque Little Theater, the oldest continuing running community theater in the United States.

“I thought it was intriguing. I’m really impressed (with the program),” attendee Mae Wofford said.

Betty Williamson attended the event with her daughter, niece and two young friends, ranging in age from 9 to 11. For Williamson, the event was an opportunity to provide a history lesson for her daughter, whom she home-schools, she said.

“It really brings history to life,” Williamson said. “It’s a lot more fun than reading out of a textbook.”

Williamson’s daughter, Katie Bickley, agreed with her mother that learning history firsthand was a more enjoyable experience than through a book or sitting in a classroom, she said.

“I thought it was really interesting. I had a real good time,” she said.

“I think it went really well,” assistant librarian Danielle Swopes said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy it and get a kick out of it.”