Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D - Columbia, Dutchess) has released the sixth volume of “Women’s History in the Hudson Valley: Ten Stories from Columbia and Dutchess Counties” in celebration of Women’s History Month. The booklet shares stories of 10 regional women from the past three centuries and the significant contributions they made. The booklets are distributed in collaboration with the Mid-Hudson Library System. 

“Women have long served as advocates and champions in our community, but far too many have received little historical recognition. Now, more than ever, the contributions women made in our society must be documented, celebrated and told.” said Assemblymember Barrett. “These women showed immense bravery and had the audacity to stand up for equality. I’m proud that our office has published these volumes each year during Women’s History Month to spotlight the stories of the innumerable women of the Hudson Valley who made a difference in the lives of others.”  

The 2019 booklet features activists, scientists and educators who broke down barriers, including Dorothy Ball, a farming and community leader; Margaret Johnston Bard, a college founder; and Cynthia Hall, an educator; Mother Ann Lee, a religious pioneer; Martha Reifler Myers, an education advocate; Alice Bradley Neal, a writer; Constance Oestrike Rudolph, a flight nurse; Toshi Seeger, an environmental activist and filmmaker; Lillian Shadic, a baseball player; and Irene Kilmer Wilcox, a local philanthropist.

Visit your local library to pick up the 2019 “Women’s History in the Hudson Valley: Ten Stories from Columbia and Dutchess Counties” booklet. You can also visit Assemblymember Barrett’s website at nyassembly.gov/Barrett to learn more about these remarkable women.