VCC Magazine Fall 2017

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Virginia C apitol C onnections, Fall 2017 11
Honoring The Contribution
Of Women Throughout
Virginia History
By Susan Allen | Chairman, Virginia Capitol
Foundation & First Lady of Virginia, 1994-1998
I am delighted to share the news of a very special project, the
Virginia Women’s Monument. During my time as the First Lady of
Virginia, living on the grounds of the Virginia Capitol, I came to love
the wonderful oasis of green space and beautiful architecture within the
Commonwealth’s Capitol City. But it was hard to ignore the absence
of historical markers honoring women represented on the grounds of
the Capitol.
Several years ago, in response to the lobbying efforts of several
determined women led by Em Bowles Locker Alsop, the Virginia
Legislature and Governor formed a commission with the goal of
planning and implementing a monument honoring the contributions of
women on the grounds of the Capitol of the Commonwealth ofVirginia.
This monument will be the first of its kind to be built at any state capitol.
TheWomen’s Monument aims to highlight important contributions
of women in the male-dominated memorial landscape, and uplift
these role-models and trail-blazers who deserve a place in Virginia’s
history. This monument will educate generations of Virginians about
the contributions of women throughout the first 400 years of our
Commonwealth.
The Women’s Monument will include a memorial plaza with
monuments to twelve amazing Virginia women. Details about these
women can be found at,
The women honored with bronze statues include a Pamunkey chief, the
first woman banker, a First Lady of the United States, a suffragist, and
more. In addition, the monument will be encompassed by a glass wall
with the names of 200-300 additional women who are noteworthy and
important to Virginia’s history.
The dedication of the Virginia Women’s Monument has been
selected by the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution, as one of
their signature events during the celebration of Virginia’s 400 years of
making history, in 2019. Their generous financial investment, along
with corporate and individual gifts, has allowed us to begin construction
of the Women’s Monument this year. To meet our goal of completion
by 2019, we are now asking members of the public for support.
This year, the Cabell Foundation has selected the Women’s
Monument as the recipient of a matching grant. The Cabell Foundation
will donate $400,000 to theWomen’s Monument construction fund, but
only after we raise $800,000 in contributions from generous individuals.
I hope you will consider making a gift in support of this worthy cause.
For details about the Women’s Monument and for information
Raised in Charlottesville, Susan Allen served as First Lady of Virginia
from 1994 to 1998. In that role, she worked on many initiatives
including tourism, breast cancer awareness, and children’s issues.
Susan currently serves the Commonwealth of Virginia as the
Chairman of the Virginia Capitol Foundation Board of Trustees.
Parking available adjacent to building
Phone 804-644-1702
FAX: 804-644-1703
E-Mail:
Web Site:
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V