In celebration of National Women's History Month, the Library of Virginia is pleased to recognize the 2011 Virginia Women in History--eight women, past and present, who have made important contributions to Virginia, the nation, and the world. The 2011 Virginia Women in History are: * Elizabeth Henry Campbell Russell (1749-1825) Saltville, Methodist lay leader Setting a charitable example, Russell fostered the fledgling Methodist Church in southwest Virginia as a devote adherent and through material and compassionate support to the church. * Emily White Fleming (1855-1941) Fredericksburg, preservationist Nominated by Melissa Smith FitzGerald Dedicated to her adopted hometown, Fleming preserved numerous Fredericksburg landmarks, including Kenmore, for future generations. * Lucy Addison (1861-1937) Roanoke, educator Nominated by 6th grade, Lucy Addison Middle School, Roanoke A pioneering educator, Addison developed the first accredited high school for Roanoke's African American community. * Bessie Niemeyer Marshall (1884-1960) Petersburg, illustrator Nominated by Virginia Rose Cherry, Richard Bland College Marshall created detailed watercolors of plants as part of a federally funded project that rescued a city park. * Eleanor Bontecou (1891-1976) Arlington County, attorney Bontecou overcame debilitating sleeping sickness to combat discrimination against Japanese Americans during World War II, study the treatment of conscientious objectors, and counsel federal government employees accused of subversive activities during the McCarthy era. * Felicia Warburg Rogan Albemarle County, vintner Known as the "First Lady of Virginia Wine," Rogan works to improve the quality of local viticulture and to promote the industry around the world. * Lillian Lincoln Lambert Mechanicsville, entrepreneur and author Overcoming racial and gender prejudices, Lambert became the first African American woman to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School. * Pearl Fu Roanoke, civic leader Directing the annual Local Colors festival, Fu celebrates the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Roanoke area. During March, the 2011 Virginia Women in History panel exhibition will be on display in the lobby of the Library of Virginia. It will travel to locations around the state for the rest of the year. Libraries, museums, and other venues interested in booking the traveling exhibition should contact Barbara C. Batson, Exhibitions Coordinator, at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> for more information. A poster featuring short biographies of each woman has been distributed to schools, libraries, and museums throughout the state. For more information about the Virginia Women in History project or to download a PDF of the 2011 Virginia Women in History poster, visit the Library of Virginia's Web site at: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/vawomen/ The Web site also offers educational materials, including pictures, primary source documents, downloadable bulletin-board kits, and guiding questions designed to assist teachers in prompting discussion of the biographies and other resources related to each honoree. For further information on educational resources, please call (804) 692-3999 or email [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . The Library of Virginia also invites you to our annual celebration honoring women who have played an integral part in Virginia history. The program begins at the Library on Thursday, 24 March 2011, at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. The event is free, but you must call (804) 692-3900 by 18 March to reserve your seat. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sara B. Bearss [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Senior Editor, Dictionary of Virginia Biography The Library of Virginia 800 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219-8000 Friends don't let friends split infinitives. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html