2007 Virginia Women in History exhibit November 7, 2007

The contributions of eight Virginia women who have contributed to American history and culture are the focus of a free exhibit at the James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road, through January 4. The Library of Virginia and the Virginia Foundation for Women partner annually to select eight women who have made significant contributions to Virginia history and culture. Since 2000 they have selected 70 women, both living and dead, for this honor.

The exhibit honors fascinating women who saw things differently from their contemporaries, developed new approaches to old problems, strove for excellence based on the courage of their convictions and initiated changes in Virginia and America that continue to have an impact on our lives today.

The 2007 awardees are:

Opossunoquonuske from what is now Chesterfield County, chief of an Indian town near the mouth of the Appomattox River, who was one of the first Indian leaders the English explorers met in 1607.

Mary Willing Byrd of Charles City County who preserved her childrens property during the American Revolution and eloquently defended herself against charges of loyalism.

Mary Jeffery Galt of Norfolk, who helped found the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.

Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver of Smyth County, an entrepreneur and Lutheran lay leader.

Sheila Crump Johnson of Loudoun County, a cofounder of Black Entertainment Television

Maybelle Addington Carter of Scott County, a founding member of the highly influential early country music group the Carter Family.

Camilla Ella Williams of Danville, an acclaimed lyric soprano and the first African American to receive a contract from a major American opera company.

Mary Alice Franklin Hatwood Futrell from Lynchburg, who led the National Education Association from 1983 to 1989.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of programs.