Breaking Stigma, Building Dignity: Menstruation Health Week Comes to Bemidji
- Emily Thabes
- May 2
- 3 min read
In every history book, behind every historical achievement, through every cultural revolution and societal transformation, there has been an untold story—a biological reality experienced by half the world's population yet rarely discussed in our museums, classrooms, or community spaces.
Until now.
The Beltrami County Historical Society and Bemidji Public Library proudly announce Menstruation Health Week 2025, a groundbreaking series of events dedicated to education, conversation, and action around period health and dignity. From May 26-31, our community will come together to address period poverty, reduce stigma, and provide essential resources to those in need.
Why This Matters
Here in Beltrami County, where 16% of residents live below the poverty line (and in Bemidji, that number exceeds 20%), period poverty is a silent crisis affecting thousands. Without access to basic menstrual supplies, people miss work, school, and other activities, impacting their education, income, and quality of life.
Period poverty isn't just a women's issue. It's a community issue. When any of us lacks access to basic necessities, we all feel the impact.
A Week of Powerful Events
Menstruation Health Week kicks off with the opening of our special exhibit, "Women's History, Period. (the evolution of menstruation)" at the Beltrami County History Center on Monday, May 26 at 5:00 PM. This interactive exhibit explores how attitudes and products have evolved throughout history.
Throughout the week, we'll host:
Documentary screenings and panel discussions featuring Rep. Sandra Feist and other experts
Virtual author talks with renowned writers Lily Williams ("Go With the Flow"), Abigail Norman ("Ask Me About My Uterus"), and Anita Diamant ("Period. End of Sentence")
Cultural presentations including "The Anishinaabe Berry Fast"
Practical workshops on menstrual product options and menopause health
Community period product collection and repacking events
The week concludes with our "End of the Cycle Celebration" on Saturday, May 31, recognizing participants in our Period Dignity Pledge Drive and celebrating the success of our community period product collection efforts.
How You Can Get Involved
Donate Products
From May 7-28, we're collecting unused, unopened menstrual products at the Beltrami County History Center, Bemidji Public Library, Headwaters Music & Arts, BSU Student Union, and Sanford Medical Center. All donations will be redistributed locally to those in need.
Take the Period Dignity Pledge
We invite local businesses, nonprofits, government offices, schools, and places of worship to commit to providing free, accessible period products in restrooms or community spaces. Participants will receive a "Period Dignity Supporter" window sticker and recognition during the exhibit. The pledge deadline is May 20, 2025.
Attend Events
All events are free and open to the public. Some events will be available both in-person and online via Zoom. Visit beltramihistory.org/period for the complete schedule and registration links.
Volunteer
Help us sort and pack donated period products during our community service events on May 29-30. Register to volunteer at https://bchs.ivolunteer.com/ppr25 or contact us at 218-444-3376 or ethabes@beltramihistory.org for more information.
Free Books
Thanks to the generous donation from the Friends of the Carnegie Library, 50 copies each of "Go With the Flow," "Ask Me About My Uterus," and "Period. End of Sentence" will be available at both the Historical Society and Public Library starting May 7, while supplies last.
Why a Local History Museum?
You might wonder: why is a historical society taking the lead on menstruation health?
The answer is simple: menstruation is history—lived, embodied history that shapes how people have experienced their daily lives across time and cultures. For centuries, the biological realities of half the population have been omitted from historical narratives, museums, and archives. This omission isn't just an oversight; it's a reflection of whose experiences we've deemed worthy of preservation and study.
At the Beltrami County Historical Society, we believe that local history must include all aspects of human experience—even those traditionally kept private. By examining how menstruation has been understood, managed, and discussed throughout history, we gain valuable insights into gender roles, medical knowledge, technological innovation, and cultural attitudes across time.
From Native American coming-of-age ceremonies to Victorian "female complaints," from the evolution of menstrual products to contemporary activism around period equity—these stories are part of our collective history. They deserve to be collected, preserved, and shared just as thoroughly as political events, economic developments, and military campaigns.
Breaking the Silence Together
History is made when we dare to speak about things long kept quiet. When we bring hidden experiences into the light. When we recognize that bodily functions are not shameful but fundamental to human experience.
By addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual health education, we aren't just providing physical products—we're dismantling stigma, honoring experiences across cultures and generations, and creating a community where everyone can participate fully in public life, regardless of their biology.
Join us for Menstruation Health Week 2025. Because periods are normal, natural, and part of our shared human history. -EDT
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