March is Women’s History Month, and special events are on tap throughout the greater Richmond area. From Saturday morning children’s stories to grown-up dinner tours, there’s something for everyone:
Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 11:00am and again on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 5:00pm: Children’s story time at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond. The Ballot Box Battle tells the story of a little girl whose neighbor just happens to be the famous suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 10:30am-12:00pm: “Virginia Through Women’s Eyes,” a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond. Visitors will be treated to an examination of letters, portraits, books, and keepsakes reflecting 400 years of Virginia women’s history. Adults $17 ($10 for VHS members); advance registration required.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 12:00pm and again on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 12:00pm: “Black and White Women in the Old South” at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond. Lauranett L. Lee, Curator of African American History, will lead a Gallery Walk through the VHS public exhibits. Adults $6 (free for VHS members); children and students $4.
Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00am and again on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 5:00pm: Children’s story time at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond. You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer! is a lively account of the rebellious reformer who invented bloomers. Free and open to the public.
Sunday, March 18, 2012, 1:30pm-3:30pm: “Reminiscences of Petersburg: A Woman’s Perspective” at Centre Hill Museum, One Centre Hill Avenue, Petersburg. Costumed interpreters portray four women who lived in Petersburg during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Admission $5; children under 7 free; advance registration required.
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10:00am-5:00pm: Anniversary of the 1622 Virginia Indian Offensive at Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester. This living history reenactment of the 1622 English-Powhatan war isn’t specifically tied to Women’s History Month, but one of the key figures is Alice Proctor, the gentlewoman who led the defense of the English colony. Visitors will have a chance to meet “Alice,” and also to interview Powhatan women interpreters about their lives and perspectives. Adults $8, children $6.
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 5:00pm-8:00pm: “Dames & Dinner: Mary Randolph, Maggie L. Walker, Elizabeth Van Lew & More,” a Real Richmond Food Tour showcasing famous women in Richmond history, including the author of the 1824 cookbook The Virginia Housewife. The event features a one-hour trolley tour and a special four-course meal with wine at Mise En Place in Shockoe Slip. Minimum age 21; $64.95 per person includes dinner and wine. Advance registration required.
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 12:00pm-5:00pm: “Voices of Victorian Women” at Maymont Mansion, 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond. Costumed interpreters portray the lives of Victorian women, including an outspoken dressmaker with strong opinions on current events. Admission $5 ($3 for members).