Dr. Amanda Goodheart Parks speaking at the East Granby Historical Society, 2025.

Dr. Amanda Goodheart Parks speaking at the Essex Library Association, 2024.

Dr. Amanda Goodheart Parks lectures throughout southern New England. Past lecture engagements include: Forbes House Museum, Greenfield Community College Senior Symposia, Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education (MILE), Old North Church & Historic Site, Planting Fields Arboretum, Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the Springfield Museums, the UConn Extension Center for Learning in Retirement, as well as countless public libraries across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

Testimonials:

“The attending patrons were fascinated by the topic, and your presentation skills were flawless. Hope to work with you again in the future!” Elizabeth R., 2024 Lecture Program Coordinator

“You told a fascinating story…your presentation was enthusiastic, invigorating, and so interesting…if you ever write a book about this topic, I will be first in line to buy it!” Kathleen F., 2024 Lecture Participant

“Thank you so much for your captivating lecture…your presentation was beautiful to view and above all, shared with passion.” Augusta G., 2024 Lecture Program Coordinator

“The best speaker I have ever seen. Just the right amount of stories, facts, and analysis.” – Erin W., 2019 Lecture Site Coordinator

“A fabulous storyteller, a passionate historian, and an enthralling speaker!” – Bridget S., Lecture Participant, 2018

Beyond the Bicep: The Real Story of Rosie the Riveter: Her image has adorned everything from lunchboxes to lampshades, but what is the real story of Rosie the Riveter? Together we’ll trace her journey from propaganda poster to feminist icon while uncovering the history of the real life Rosies who not only inspired that infamous bicep, but whose work in wartime industries helped secure an Allied victory during World War II.

Founding Mothers: Women of the American Revolution: Despite Abigail Adams famously asking her husband and his fellow Founding Fathers to, “…remember the ladies,” history has largely forgotten women’s contributions to the American Revolution. From Martha Washington and Mercy Otis Warren to lesser known historical figures like Elizabeth Freeman and Polly Cooper, this lecture will chronicle the extraordinary stories of the women who helped America win its independence.

“On Account of Sex”: A History of Women’s Suffrage in America: On August 18, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution was officially adopted, guaranteeing that American women would no longer be denied the right to vote, “on account of sex.” From Seneca Falls to suffragettes, Supreme Court cases to hunger strikes, this lecture will chronicle the long and complex history of the fight for women’s suffrage in the United States.

Sweethearts at Sea: A Love Story from the Age of Whaling: During the 19th century New England whalemen sailed around the world in the pursuit of whales, leaving their wives and families behind for years at a time…until the 1840s, when a small group of married couples defied tradition by going to sea together. This lecture will focus on one of these couples— Captain John and Elizabeth Marble — using the letters and journals they left behind to tell a story of love, life, and loss at sea.

The Original Fly Girls: A History of the Women Airforce Service Pilots: During World War II more than one thousand American women served as Women Airforce Service Pilots. These pioneering women faced discrimination from the U.S. military and American society, and because their records were sealed after the war, their stories were lost to history for decades. This lecture will chronicle these remarkable pilots who paved the way for future generations of American women to take to the skies.