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Women have played an integral part in Virginia from its beginnings, yet their contributions have often been overlooked in the history books. Until well into the twentieth century, written histories tended to focus on the historically male-dominated fields of government and politics, the military, and large-scale landholding to the virtual exclusion of all other venues of leadership or achievement. They ignored women’s critical roles as wives, mothers, educators, nurses, lay leaders, farmers, artists, writers, reformers, pioneers, business leaders, laborers, and community builders.
The Library of Virginia recognizes and celebrates women’s accomplishments in all walks of life during March, which Congress has designated as National Women’s History Month. The Virginia Foundation for Women began the popular Virginia Women in History educational program in 2000 and in 2006 transferred it to the Library of Virginia, which now sponsors statewide activities that include a poster, related learning activities tied to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), and a traveling exhibition. The annual Virginia Women in History culminates with an evening program recognizing the honorees.
Learn more about fascinating women who developed new approaches to old problems, strove for excellence based on the courage of their convictions, and initiated changes in Virginia and the United States that continue to affect our lives today. We invite you to make use of the material provided within these pages and share them with members of your community, young and old alike.
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