March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the positive contributions of women across the globe.
Throughout the month, there will be several opportunities for Richmond families to honor the female pioneers from our region who brought change and improvements. Each experience below is completely free, from museum and library programs to self-guided tours.
Henrico Library
Not only are local libraries offering programming in honor of Women’s History Month, you may also find recommendations for books, ranging from picture books to read with little ones to books for adults. I especially like this diverse list from Henrico County Public Library.
Discover all your local library has to offer with these tips on maximizing your library experience.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Experience significant moments in women’s history virtually, in this activity: Teaching with Photographs. The photos span over 100 years of women’s history, specifically in Virginia, from working in a Richmond tobacco factory to nursing at Sheltering Arms Hospital.
If you cannot make it to a museum in person, this is an excellent alternative as each photo has questions to start discussion, and encourage thoughtful perspective.
The VMHC has a gift shop full of Virginia-themed gifts, be sure to enter our giveaway for $100 gift card!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Experience first-hand the contributions of women in visual arts, spanning centuries at VMFA. From Impressionist Mary Cassatt to American potters, Maria and Julian Martinez, the influence of women in art is clear throughout the museum. Use this free resource from VMFA to find the various works as well as a thorough description of each.
Virginia War Memorial
Virginia War Memorial proudly displays a wall of photos recognizing female veterans, both past and present.
Tour Capitol Square
Consider taking a self-guided tour of Capitol Square to see the Virginia Women’s Monument to learn more about several women from Virginia who’ve positively impacted our city and even our country.
This monument depicts 12 women from around the Commonwealth as bronze statues. Each woman is from a different area of Virginia, and made a unique contribution to history.
An artist, teacher, physician and seamstress are only a few of the professions represented by these outstanding women. While paying homage to these women and their work, the monument serves as a reminder that one can make change from anywhere, by using our individual gifts.
Also at Capitol Square, the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial honors Barbara Johns and her peers who spoke up against the conditions at their racially segregated school.
Learn more about Barbara Johns by visiting R.R. Moton Museum in Farmville, VA.
As March reminds us to honor the women who’ve helped shape our world, let us learn more about them to inspire us (and our daughters) to affect positive change in our own community.
