Ann Hanigan Kotz will present “Beyond the Parlor Walls: Iowa Women Who Shaped Their Communities” Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 1:30 pm at the Churdan public library.
These Iowa women were not governors, lawmakers, or business leaders, but changed their communities in powerful ways. Through women’s clubs, educational organizations, and reform movements, they worked behind the scenes to solve problems, expand opportunities, and create institutions that continue to serve Iowans today.
This 45-minute program explores the women who championed education, built public libraries, improved civic life, and transformed their towns. From club meetings held in parlors to statewide movements for progress, these women demonstrated the power of cooperation and the belief that every community could be made stronger.
Their stories reveal a forgotten chapter of Iowa history: how determined women, often without formal power, helped build the foundation of the communities we know today.
Ann Hanigan Kotz was born in Denison and lived on a farm southwest of town with her parents and five siblings. During her summers, she spent time at the Carnegie library, reading becoming a passion early in her life.
Kotz earned a bachelor of arts in English at the University of Northern Iowa. She started her education career in 1988 and continued teaching high school English for 33 years, finishing at Waukee High School. She also received a Master of Arts in Education from Viterbo University.
As a teacher, Kotz was passionate about making her students better writers and readers. She credits her writing ability to studying and teaching the craft. Later in her profession, she taught college-level classes to high school students who themselves wanted to become teachers. Kotz considers teaching one of the most honorable professions. Retired from teaching, Kotz currently resides in Adel with her husband John Kotz.
