SENECA. NY.- The Women´s Rights National Historical Park presents the exhibit Changing the Face of Power: Women in the U.S. Senate through September 4. It took 200 years for the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. In 1992, there were two women senators. By 2001, the number had grown to 13. Today, a record 14 women hold this prestigious office. These women are transforming this powerful branch of our government. As a freelance photographer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Melina Mara, became aware of this dramatic change in this here-to-fore exclusive bastion of male power.

Ms. Mara persuaded the 14 female senators of the value that a documentary project on women in the U.S. Senate would have: it would demonstrate how their presence was making a difference in the legislative process. Ms. Mara photographed the women during a three-year period from 2001 to 2003.

Through great patience and careful observation, she got beyond orchestrated photo ops, finding real moments in tightly controlled events. Further, she convinced the senators to allow her to shadow them when no other media was present while they conducted staff meetings, held hearings, and paused to catch their breath. Mara's intent was to portray the senators candidly both as politicians and as human beings, while capturing the complexity of their days.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, The President’s Advisory Committee on the Role and Status of Women, The Women’s Comprehensive Program, and The Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service, and the Office of the Vice President for Student and Minority Affairs are proud to be the first presenters of this unique photo essay in the Great Lakes region. For more information on Ms. Mara and the exhibit, please visit: http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue0502/mara_intro.html