Alabama Women's Hall of Fame facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Alabama Women's Hall of Fame celebrates amazing women connected to the state of Alabama. It was started in 1970, and the first women were honored in 1971. The Hall of Fame used to be at Judson College in Marion, Alabama. In 1975, it became an official state group. In 2022, it moved to the University of West Alabama in Livingston.

A group of eleven people runs the Hall of Fame. These people are chosen for three years. They come from different areas like art, business, education, and science. The President of the University of West Alabama and the Governor of Alabama are also part of this group.

Honoring Amazing Women
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Honoring Amazing Women

The Alabama Women's Hall of Fame recognizes women who have made a big difference. These women have achieved great things in many fields. They inspire others with their hard work and dedication.

Trailblazers in History

Many women honored here broke new ground. They were the first to do many important things. Their courage helped open doors for others.

Helen Keller: A World-Renowned Advocate

Helen Keller, a famous author and activist.

Helen Keller (1880–1968) was inducted in 1971. She became deaf and blind when she was very young. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen learned to communicate. She became a famous author, political activist, and lecturer. Helen traveled the world, speaking up for people with disabilities. She showed everyone that anything is possible.

Rosa Parks: A Civil Rights Hero

Rosa Parks (1913–2005) was honored in 2008. She was a brave civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. Her courageous act helped start the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This event was a major turning point in the fight for equal rights.

Coretta Scott King: A Leader for Justice

Coretta Scott King, a powerful voice for human rights.

Coretta Scott King (1927–2006) joined the Hall of Fame in 2009. She was an author and a human rights activist. Coretta was married to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After his death, she continued his work. She fought for civil rights and peace for all people.

Vivian Malone Jones: Breaking Barriers in Education

Vivian Malone Jones, the first Black graduate of the University of Alabama.

Vivian Malone Jones (1942–2005) was inducted in 2021. In 1963, she was one of the first two Black students to enroll at the University of Alabama. She bravely faced challenges to get her education. In 1965, Vivian became the university's first Black graduate. Her strength helped change history for many students.

Harper Lee: A Beloved Author

Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Harper Lee (1926–2016) was honored in 2019. She was the author of the famous book To Kill a Mockingbird. This book tells an important story about justice and prejudice in the South. It has been read by millions and is a classic in American literature.

Women in Government and Law

Many women in the Hall of Fame made their mark in politics and law. They worked to create fair laws and represent their communities.

Lurleen Wallace: Alabama's First Female Governor

Lurleen Wallace, the first woman to serve as Governor of Alabama.

Lurleen Wallace (1926–1968) was inducted in 1973. She made history as the first female Governor of Alabama. Her election was a big step for women in politics in the state.

Dixie Bibb Graves: First Woman in the U.S. Senate from Alabama

Dixie Bibb Graves, Alabama's first female U.S. Senator.

Dixie Bibb Graves (1883–1965) was honored in 1975. She was the first woman from Alabama to serve in the United States Senate. Her time in the Senate showed that women could hold high political offices.

Janie Shores: First Woman on the Alabama Supreme Court

Janie Shores, the first woman elected to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Janie Shores (1932–2017) was inducted in 2020. She was the first woman elected to the Alabama Supreme Court. Her work on the court was a major achievement for women in the legal field.

Maud McLure Kelly: Alabama's First Female Lawyer

Maud McLure Kelly, a pioneer for women in law.

Maud McLure Kelly (1887–1973) was honored in 1990. She was the first woman to practice law in Alabama, starting in 1908. She also became the first woman admitted to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court from the South in 1914. Maud was a strong supporter of women's right to vote.

Other Notable Inductees

The Hall of Fame includes women from many different areas. They have contributed to art, science, education, and community service.

Zelda Fitzgerald: Artist and Author

Zelda Fitzgerald, a talented author, ballerina, and painter.

Zelda Fitzgerald (1900–1948) was inducted in 1992. She was a talented author, ballerina, and painter. Zelda was a key figure in the "Roaring Twenties" and an important artist in her own right.

Maria Fearing: Missionary and Educator

Maria Fearing, an educator and missionary.

Maria Fearing (1838–1937) was honored in 2000. She was an educator and missionary. Maria established a home for girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She dedicated her life to helping others through education and faith.

Fran McKee: A Naval Pioneer

Rear Admiral Fran McKee, the first woman line officer to reach this rank in the U.S. Navy.

Fran McKee (1926–2002) was inducted in 2007. She was the first woman line officer to become a rear admiral in the United States Navy. Her career opened doors for many women in the military.

Vera Hall: Blues and Folk Singer

Vera Hall, a celebrated blues and folk music singer.

Vera Hall (1902–1964) was honored in 2005. She was a famous blues and folk music singer. Her powerful voice and traditional songs helped preserve important American musical heritage.

Nancy Batson Crews: World War II Aviator

Nancy Batson Crews, a pilot during World War II.

Nancy Batson Crews (1920–2001) was inducted in 2004. She was an aviator during World War II. Nancy was one of the first women pilots accepted into the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. These brave women flew military aircraft to help the war effort.

Ruby Pickens Tartt: Folklorist and Artist

Ruby Pickens Tartt, a folklorist, artist, and author.

Ruby Pickens Tartt (1880–1974) was honored in 1980. She was an author, folklorist, artist, and librarian. Ruby collected and shared many traditional stories and songs from Alabama.

Carrie A. Tuggle: Educator and Social Services Pioneer

Carrie A. Tuggle, an educator and founder of an orphanage.

Carrie A. Tuggle (1858–1924) was inducted in 1979. She was an educator and a pioneer in social services. Carrie founded an orphanage for African American children. She also helped create juvenile and domestic courts.

Julia Tutwiler: Reformer and Educator

Julia Tutwiler, a key figure in education and prison reform.

Julia Tutwiler (1841–1916) was honored in 1971. She was an author, educator, and prison reformer. Julia was the president of the Alabama Normal College (now the University of West Alabama). She also wrote Alabama's official state song, Alabama.

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Agnes Baggett, Alabama State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State.
Vestal Goodman, known as the "Queen of Gospel Music."
Mary Ward Brown, an American short-story writer.
Zora Neale Hurston, a noted author of the Harlem Renaissance.
Nina Miglionico, the first female member of the Birmingham City Council.
Virginia Foster Durr, a civil rights activist.
Octavia Walton Le Vert, a socialite, Civil War nurse, and author.
Gwen Bristow, an author and journalist.
Geneva Mercer, an artist and sculptor.
Elizabeth Caroline Crosby, a scientist, teacher, and author.
Lella Warren, an author.
Martha Strudwick Young, a folklorist, author, and poet.
Anne Mathilde Bilbro, a composer, music teacher, and author.
Tallulah Bankhead, a stage, film, and voice actress.
Elizabeth Johnston Evans Johnston, founder of Alabama Boys' Industrial School.
Ruby Pickens Tartt, an author, folklorist, artist, and librarian.
Patti Ruffner Jacobs, a political scientist and promoter of women's suffrage.
Amelia Gayle Gorgas, a librarian, nurse, teacher, and university counselor.
Augusta Jane Evans Wilson, an author and Civil War nurse.
Marie Bankhead Owen, an author, historian, and director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Loraine Bedsole Tunstall, creator of child welfare services.
Margaret Murray Washington, a founder of schools and principal of Tuskegee Institute.