The month of March is known for many things, the start of warmer weather, daylight savings, March madness college basketball tournament, and Saint Patrick's Day. However, not many are aware of the fact that here in the US, March is also Women's History Month.
Delaware has such an illustrious history of influential women that in 1981, the Division of Secretary of State of Delaware established The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. The Hall celebrates famous Delawarean women that were and are pioneers in business, education, government, social activism, and science, and can be found at the Delaware Art Museum.
Women like Vera Gilbride Davis, who was the first woman elected to the Delaware Senate. Hilda Davis, who was the first African American to hold a full-time faculty position at the University of Delaware. Jane E. Mitchell who was the first African American registered nurse to be hired to a Delaware hospital. Mary Ann Shadd Cary, who was an anti-slavery activist, journalist, publisher, teacher, and lawyer. She became the first African American to be published in North America, and the first woman to be published in Canada. Lucile Petry Leone was the founding director of the Cadet Nurse Corps in 1943.
These are just a few highlighted names in a long list of impactful women in Delaware that have made history. It is important that we remember and appreciate these women and their accomplishments while looking towards the future and the next generation of influential women
If you are a fan of history, you may want to check out our historical museums, administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. These include "five museums of the State of Delaware - the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum (closed Dec. 31, 2021 through the spring of 2022), The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum - tell the story of the First State's contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through tours, exhibits and special programs, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware's unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums" (HCA, 2022). If you've been to any of these, please let us know about your favorite exhibit/s!
Written by: Elliott Nicholas, Celeste Peart
Sources
HCA. (2022). Division celebrates Women's History Month 2022. https://history.delaware.gov/2022/02/17/womens-history-month-2022/
Delaware Art Museum (2022). Delaware Women's Hall of Fame & She's On Her Way Application Details. https://dhr.delaware.gov/women/halloffame/index.shtml
