March marks Women's History Month, a time dedicated to honoring women who have shaped individuals and the global landscape.

Although March 8 marks International Women's Day, every day is Women's Day during the month. The United Nations officially recognized this day in 1977, but this celebration goes back to the labor movements of the early 20th century.

When thinking about the names of women who have helped shape the world around, it is easy to name our friends, family members and even famous figures. However, Baldwin County is home to many women who helped make this county what it is today.

Doris Rich (1912-2008): Investigative newspaper reporter, historian, community leader, speaker, author and wrote documented historical articles for the local newspapers. Rich is also the author of two classics "Fort Morgan and the Battle of Mobile Bay" and "When Foley Was Young 1900-1921."

Kay Nuzum: Historian, teacher, world traveler, speaker, author, wrote the first definitive history book in 1978 on Baldwin County that had not been compiled since a booklet in 1928.

Marietta Johnson (18641938): Founder of the School of Organic Education in Fairhope. In her "organic school", tests weren't given, homework was saved until high school, and grades remained undisclosed. She included handcrafts and folk dancing alongside the usual academic subjects. Her school attracted young teachers and artists, contributing significantly to Fairhope's identity as an artists' colony.

Philomena (Boogarets) Holmes: A nurse married to Dr. W. C. 'Buddy' Holmes, was with the first hospital, located in downtown Foley, which is now the nationally recognized Holmes Medical Museum. She is known for covering the hospital and its needs while her husband served service time during World War II.

Della Oswalt Nichols: The first artist in Fairhope before Fairhope was founded. Nichols traveled to Baldwin County in 1894. Nichols Avenue in Fairhope was named after the family. She painted mostly nature scenes and musical instruments.

Baldwin County never sent a female to the Alabama House of Representatives until now. Rep. Donna Givens (R-Loxley), Rep. Jennifer Fidler (R-Silverhill) and Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley) represent these areas of the county.

During the March 5 Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting, Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood, who is the third female Commissioner for Baldwin County and the only female Commissioner to serve two terms, read a proclamation, stating that the BCC honors March as Women's History Month and recognizes the women who helped build and mold the county.

"We have had a lot of ladies that have served public office and not only that, the big thing is that we have had a lot of great mothers," Commissioner Charles Gruber said. "That is one of the big things that is important is to have a strong presence in your home. It is the woman that really unites it."