Leaving a Mark with Lipstick & Fire
In honor of Women’s History Month, I recently visited the new exhibit at the DeKalb History Center, Lipstick & Fire. The exhibit celebrates the women of DeKalb County, highlighting community leaders and those who advanced women’s roles within society. According to the introductory panel, “utilizing immense courage and determination, these women forged their own paths, leaving trails for future generations to follow.”
Lipstick & Fire begins at the formation of DeKalb County in 1822, when women were expected to care for their families and provide them with moral and religious guidance. Obedience was favored over intellect. Unsurprisingly, women challenged these restrictive roles and forged their own paths. This is suggested by the first items of the Lipstick & Fire collection: a case full of vintage cosmetic items immediately followed by a display of 1920s voter registration cards and panels about female abolitionists.
The exhibit traces women’s history through the Civil War, early transportation, evolving marital traditions, the fight for suffrage and the 19th Amendment, as well as women’s contributions to WWII. It highlights local writers, scientists, business owners, politicians, and community leaders. Physical artifacts include clothing, historical photos, a typewriter, a charga-plate (predecessor to a charge card), and other important ephemera. Prior to leaving the exhibit, guests are asked to share their thoughts about the evolution of women’s roles and legacies.
Pro Tip: While you are at the DeKalb History Center, check another current exhibit, 200 Years of DeKalb County. It honors the people, places, and events that have contributed to the area, ranging from the Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee Nations in the early 1800s, to DeKalb’s industrialization and population boom, to advancements such as Buford Highway and MARTA. You can learn about the figures who helped modernize and diversify DeKalb County.
The DeKalb History Center’s mission is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of people and places across DeKalb County. The museum encourages guests to engage with its stories and envision themselves in the county’s collective histories. According to the History Center, “we believe history can and should be used to move us toward a more just future.”
Lipstick & Fire will be on display through May 2026; check the DeKalb History Center’s website for updates. The History Center, housed on the first floor of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse (101 E. Court Square), is open Monday-Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.