2017 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, Genders and Sexualities

June 01 - 04, 2017

Ros Baxandall (1939 -2015) was a pioneering post World War II left feminist, sexual radical and activist historian, and distinguished teacher. The range of Ros Baxandall’s areas of historical research and political radicalism were extraordinary and reflected her ongoing curiosity about all aspects of political, economic, social, sexual and cultural life. Her work on radical women’s political engagement extended from the libertarian left to the Communist Party to the radical women’s liberation movement, encompassing the participation of women of color and women in the carceral state. Her study of women’s labor covered garment workers and  ‘taxi girls’, while her interest in community life included co-operative housing, day care and municipal campaigners. Culture for Ros Baxandall meant daily life, popular dances and modernist artists. Extraordinarily generous, Ros’ passion and energy went most into learning about people, connecting them with each other, teaching students, helping young activists and discussing ideas. Ros partnered with a wide range of historians and activists and this roundtable brings together some of Ros’ sisters, colleagues, friends and comrades whose work reflects the totality of her extraordinary life.