Maternalist Pullman

Title: Maternalist Pullman: How Women Empowered and were Empowered by "Paternalist" Pullman.

Pullman has been historically characterized as "paternalist," having been owned, operated, and managed by men.

A deeper anthropological understanding of the town, based upon historic archival analysis and archaeological excavations, shows us that the daily operations of the town itself were in fact controlled by women. Women in Pullman enjoyed unparalleled health and safety, allowing us to operate independently and within social networks that exercised very real economic, sexual, and social powers under, with, and over men.

This talk describes some of the strategies and tactics employed by Pullman women and how they fit into our broader understanding of human labor, sex, and community.

Tickets include access to the Exhibit Hall, please note, come early if you want to see our new exhibit: From Wrecking Ball to National Park!

Be sure to visit the Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center, open from 9:00-5:00 every day, for an overview of Pullman, the man, the company, and the town.

If you enjoy this program and/or your visit to the Exhibit Hall, please donate to support the Historic Pullman Foundation, the official friend's group of the National Park. Your donations keep the money local and help both organizations share the amazing story that is Pullman.

Dr. Lauren Finnigan is a historical archaeologist and professor of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University South Bend. Lauren performed her doctoral dissertation research in Pullman and examines the ways that women use material, adornment, and aesthetics to navigate and negotiate social structures of sex, labor, and power.

Learn more about Dr Finnigan here

Pullman is easily accessible by the Metra Electric train line. Check the schedule and plan your visit

Event Venue

Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, United States