March is Women’s History Month and the Vicksburg National Military Park will offer a series of special programs and events in recognition.

Focusing on the theme of Women’s Education and the Empowerment It Provided to Attain Equality and Open New Opportunities, the programs will be at the Shirley House, Tour Stop 2, Saturday and March 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Featured will be the everyday life and culture of Civil War-era women from both the North and South, including the expected responsibilities of running a home and raising children, and 19th century fashion, particularly as it affected Vicksburg residents during the military campaign and siege to capture the city.

Exhibits include how life turned to misery during the war for women left to run Southern farms and to a sense of accomplishment, paving the way for the Suffrage movement, in women who replaced men in Northern industries and government.

The Shirley House is the only structure remaining in the park that dates to the Civil War. It has been restored inside and out, but the interior is open to visitors only during special events.

Admission to the VNMP is $8 per vehicle or by annual park pass. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.