Hops & History

Join the Milton House Museum for our first-ever Women’s History Panel on Saturday March 21st at 1 pm for an engaging and thought-provoking afternoon dedicated to exploring the diverse stories that shape women’s history.

Guests will hear four dynamic presentations, with each presentation offering a unique perspective on the achievements, struggles, and lasting impact of women who helped shape history. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session and engage directly with the speakers.

Tickets are $5 per person and lunch is included in the price of admission. 

 Presentation Description: Dr. Robinson will present a broad overview of Black women’s health and healthcare leadership in Wisconsin, beginning in the 18th century and tracing forward to the present day. She will highlight early pioneers such as Mary Ann Thomas, known as “Aunt Mary Ann” and recognized as the first Black woman doctor in Wisconsin. Connecting past to present, Dr. Robinson will explore both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in advancing health equity and access to care in Wisconsin.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Michelle Robinson is a public health leader, researcher, and systems-level strategist based in Wisconsin. She serves as Chief Programs & Partnerships Officer at the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness, where she leads community-driven initiatives focused on health equity, maternal and cardiovascular health, and economic security.

Dr. Robinson previously served as the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and brings nearly two decades of experience working at the intersection of history, policy, public health, and community leadership. Her work centers on advancing equity-driven systems change and elevating community voice in health leadership.

Presentation Description: Publishing in the mid-19th century, Louisa May Alcott used the power of her pen and her platform in her juvenile novels, short stories, and adult fiction to portray a variety of female characters and advocate for women’s rights in education, labor, health, and suffrage. This presentation will examine several of Alcott's lesser-known works, and how they connect to her influences, life experiences, and the world she was creating.

Presenter Bio: Jill Fuller is a reference librarian at the Wisconsin Historical Society and the co-author and co-host of Let Genius Burn, a podcast exploring the life and legacy of Louisa May Alcott. She is a proud member of the Louisa May Alcott Society, and has presented on Alcott for museums and at the Thoreau Annual Gathering in Concord, MA. Her favorite Alcott quote is "I like good, strong words that mean something." When she's not reading or writing, she's usually gardening, hiking in the woods, or playing Legos with her son.

Presentation Description: Nancy’s presentation will focus on the years Lavinia Goodell spent in Janesville (1871–1881), highlighting her study of law and the significant obstacles she faced before becoming Wisconsin’s first woman lawyer in June 1874. She will explore Goodell’s determined fight for admission to practice before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the broader barriers confronting women in the legal profession at the time.

In addition to her legal achievements, Nancy will share the many ways Goodell was engaged in the Janesville community. 

This presentation offers a compelling look at Goodell’s legal battles, civic leadership, and lasting impact on Wisconsin history.

Presenter Bio: Nancy Kopp is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School and devoted 37 years of service as a Wisconsin Supreme Court Commissioner before retiring last year. For the past eight years, she has conducted extensive research on Lavinia Goodell, Wisconsin’s first woman lawyer, and maintains both a website and Facebook page dedicated to preserving and sharing Goodell’s legacy. In retirement, Nancy serves as the volunteer librarian and archivist for the Kelch Aviation Museum in Brodhead, Wisconsin. 

Presentation Description: Ida B. Wells was a courageous journalist, educator, and civil rights activist born into slavery in 1862 who became one of the most powerful voices against racial injustice in the United States. 

Through her writing, speeches, and organizing, she challenged segregation and discrimination and helped lay the groundwork for the modern civil rights movement. She was also a co-founder of the NAACP and remained an outspoken advocate for equality and women’s rights throughout her life. 

Presenter Bio: Wanda Sloan is a mother, grandmother, and community activist in Beloit, Wisconsin.