From Past to Present: Honoring Women’s History Month in Virginia Beach

Women’s History Month is a time dedicated to honoring the stories, contributions and achievements of women throughout history. Events during the month of March allow us to honor both the women who have shaped history and those who continue to make their mark today. Explore Women’s History Month events in Virginia Beach below.  

Proclamations Honoring Women in Public Safety and Women’s History Month, Virginia Beach City Council Meeting
March 5, 6 p.m., City Council Chamber - City Hall 

Mayor Bobby Dyer will present two official proclamations, observing March 2024 as Women’s History Month and honoring Women in Public Safety Leadership in the City of Virginia Beach. 

The proclamation recognizes that “Virginian women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also securing the safety of our community.” 

Public Safety leaders to be honored: 

• Virginia Beach Emergency Communications & Citizen Services: ECCS Director Jada Lee, Deputy Director Carmen Van Voorhis and Support Services Administrator Kathleen Boone
• Virginia Beach Emergency Management: Deputy Director of Emergency Management Renee McKinnon and Mitigation Program Manager Danielle Spach 
• Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services: Deputy Chief Amy Ward, Volunteer Deputy Chief Ellen McBride, Division Chief Brett Johnson, Brigade Chief Cat Watson and Brigade Chief Liz Beatty 
• Virginia Beach Fire Department: Deputy Chief Amy Valdez and Assistant Chief Lorna Trent 
• Virginia Beach Police Department: Deputy Chief Shannon Wichtendahl, Capt. Michele Meister, Capt. Michele Wyatt, Capt. Marcie Fox, Lt. Jacqueline Geluso, Lt. Alicia Jones, Lt. Nicole Kosmas and Lt. Rachel Wigand. 
• Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office: Chief Deputy Christina Mapes, Capt. Lois Thompson, Capt. Karen Johnson, Capt. Kathy Vargas and Capt. June Harvey 

The meeting is open to the public and the livestream will be shown on the City’s website and Facebook page. It will also be cablecast live on VBTV via Cox channel 48 and Verizon channel 45. 

Update: Photo taken March 5 in City Council Chamber

Virginia Beach Public Library

Women’s History Movie Matinee
March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27, 2:30-5 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a film series, including “Hidden Figures” on March 6, “Gaslight” on March 13, “Suffragette” on March 20, and “The Color Purple” on March 27. 

Women’s History Month Story and Craft 
March 12, 4:30-5:15 p.m., Princess Anne Area Library 
For children, grades K-2 

Learn about inspirational women and their stories and make a craft to take home. For children in kindergarten to second grade. Registration is required. 

Read & Share: Women in History 
March 23, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, Pungo-Blackwater Library, Senior Resource Center 
For adults only 

This special Read and Share will discuss books of notable women in history. Whether it is a book you read in the past or are currently reading, come share stories of the women who made headlines and made history. Registration is recommended. 

Virginia Beach History Museums 

Conversation with a Curator: The Enslaved Woman’s Perspective
March 20, 5:30 p.m., Thoroughgood House 
March 26, 5:30 p.m., Princess Anne Area Library 

Conversations will be led by Stephanie Richmond, Ph.D., historian and associate professor of history at Norfolk State University. She will discuss the history of enslaved people in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas, with a focus on the enslaved woman’s experience. Over 20,000 enslaved people were sold from Norfolk to New Orleans during the domestic slave trade, and more than half that number were women and girls. Talks will explore the impact of the domestic slave trade on their lives and their families.  
 
Events are free and open to the public. Advanced registration is encouraged, and seating is limited. Register in advance at culture.virginiabeach.gov/events. Please email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100 if you have questions about this event. 

For the latest information about Virginia Beach History Museums events and tours, please visit vbmuseums.org.