One of the reasons folk songs about women disappeared from our history was because of technology, according to Thursday night’s presentation by musician, historian and storyteller, Gerri Gribi.

“I think one of the reasons that we lost women’s folk songs is because in the early part of the century we got radio,” Gribi said.

“People stopped sharing their histories with each other,” she said.

Gribi, who has a degree in history and education, has toured the United States and Canada for more than 17 years.

Accompanying her soprano voice with mountain dulcimer, autoharp and guitar, Gribi has recorded three solo albums.

She told the audience she grew up in a family that did lots of singing, particularly the women in her family.

Gribi was puzzled however, that all of the songs were written by and about men.

“I decided I wanted to find songs about real life,” Gribi said.

Sponsored by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, Gribi’s presentation celebrated Women’s History Month as it alternated personal stories and anecdotes with the songs.

Believing people find strength in our cultural roots, Gribi researched and recovered “lost” traditional songs that portray “foremothers” in a different light than most folk songs.

“Whenever I find one of these songs, I get a little chill,” Gribi said.

“It’s like finding a diary in an attic and reading about our ancestors, about our foremothers.”