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Description
50 years ago Ellen Cassedy was a founder and longtime leader of the 9 to 5 movement of working women that began in Boston. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2 p.m., Cassedy will be at the New Haven Museum for a special screening of the documentary film, “9 to 5: The Story of a Movement” by the Academy-Award-winning team Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, in which she appears. Attendance is free.
Cassedy is the author of “Working 9 to 5: A Women’s Movement, A Labor Union, and the Iconic Movie,” (foreword by Jane Fonda) and several other books. The film tells the story of how women workers began in a circle talking about their jobs and went on to build a nationwide movement that won rights and respect for millions of women workers – and inspired a hit movie and an enduring song along the way. After the film, audience members will be invited to share their thoughts and questions about women and work.
Presented in conjunction with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven (JHSGNH), the screening is part of the 2026 Judith Ann Schiff Pre-Women’s History Program Film Series, which was designed to examine the issues faced by women as clerical workers, factory workers, and teachers. The series previews the fourth Annual Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Program at NHM (March 1, 2026) which will focus on Jewish women involved in organizing unions for social workers, New Haven Public School teachers, and Yale University clerical and technical workers in the 20th century.
Cassedy became interested in women’s rights as an office worker in the early 1970’s. “Office workers were influenced by the civil rights and women’s movements and eager to win our rights,” she says. “We won a lot, but there’s a long way to go. Today’s working people struggle to make ends meet and care for their families.” She adds that she hopes to inspire others to speak up.
About the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven
The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven began in the attic and basement of Harvey N. Ladin’s Central Avenue home. After years of collecting pictures and memorabilia about Jewish life in New Haven, Ladin helped to organize and found the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven in 1976. He became its first president. Since its origin, the society has been collecting and cataloguing the greater New Haven Jewish community’s eventful past, publicizing its history and preserving its heritage for future generations. The JHSGNH is currently located in the Ethnic Heritage Center, on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University, at 270 Fitch Street in New Haven. For additional information, see jewishhistorynh.org or call (203) 392-6125.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. As a designated Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information visit www.newhavenmuseum.orgor Facebook.com/NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Sat, Feb 7, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue Details
New Haven Museum
114 Whitney AvenueNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
