Chicago Filmmakers, Inc.

Catharine Waugh McCulloch's remarkable legacy unfolds in 'Discovering Catharine,' a documentary by Hope Productions with contributions from ND Film Group. Featuring interviews and animations, the film highlights Catharine's pioneering efforts in women's suffrage and legal rights. Notable figures like Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Robyn Gabel, and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum express regret for not learning about her important role in Illinois history.

Catharine, a Northwestern Law School alum, entered the Illinois Bar in 1886, at a time when there were fewer than 100 few female attorneys nationwide. For nearly five decades, she championed women's legal rights, combining legal acumen with humor. 'Discovering Catharine' emphasizes the challenges she faced and features experts exploring the historical and legal context of her actions. The documentary delves into her efforts to navigate societal expectations as a wife and mother while pushing for change as a legal professional, elected Justice of the Peace, Jury Foreman, head of the Women’s Bar Association and other notable roles she held to open doors for women.

The documentary unveils Chicago's pivotal role in suffrage discussions, with Illinois being the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Catharine's digitized files at Harvard offer a rich resource for global scholars. The film hopes to spark further research into Chicago's history and the contributions of women like Catharine, Jane Adams, and Ida B. Wells.

As we finalize editing, scoring, and animations, fundraising is crucial. The edited expert interviews will be available on our website if we meet our goal. Efforts are underway to secure distribution to schools, non-profits, and streaming platforms.

Premiering on June 22nd, 2024, at Northwestern University, our 60-minute film delves into the efforts required 100 years ago to secure voting rights, expand equal rights, d combat resistance to change. These remain relevant issues in our country today.

Below: Images of the historical marker at McCulloch Park in Evanston, the 2020 Rose Bowl Parade Float commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Check out a mural in Chicago at the Wabash Arts Corridor called "On the Wings of Change" - the photo below is just a section of a large multi-story mural featuring Catharine and other important Chicago women changemakers.