Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Women Inductees Facts for Kids

The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame is a special group that honors people who have done amazing things for the state of Rhode Island. It's a non-profit organization run by volunteers. They celebrate individuals who have brought fame, importance, or great contributions to Rhode Island's history and culture.

What is the Hall of Fame?
- How it Started
- Who Can Be Inducted?
Notable Women Inductees
Images for kids
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What is the Hall of Fame?

The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame is like a special club for heroes of Rhode Island! It's a place where people who have made a big difference in the state are recognized. These heroes could be artists, scientists, athletes, leaders, or anyone who has helped make Rhode Island a better place.

How it Started

The organization began in 1965. Its main goal was to celebrate the important work of people from Rhode Island. Since 2013, the Hall of Fame has worked with the Heritage Harbor Museum. This partnership helps them share the stories of these amazing Rhode Islanders with even more people.

Who Can Be Inducted?

To be chosen for the Hall of Fame, a person must have made a big impact on Rhode Island's history or heritage. This includes people who were born in Rhode Island, those who lived there when they became famous, or those who made Rhode Island their permanent home. New members are added every year. They include both people from the past and those still living today.

Notable Women Inductees

The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame has honored many incredible women. Here are just a few examples of their amazing achievements:

Catharine R. Williams (inducted 2002): She was a poet and writer in the 1800s.
Prudence Crandall (inducted 2001): She founded a school that became the first integrated classroom in the United States. This means it was a school where students of different races learned together.
Doris Duke (inducted 2001): She was a generous person who helped protect old buildings and places. She started the Newport Restoration Foundation.
Ann Smith Franklin (inducted 1998): She was the first woman to edit a newspaper in the American colonies!
Mary Dyer (inducted 1997): She was a Quaker who helped found the town of Portsmouth. She stood up for her beliefs, even when it was dangerous.
Anne Hutchinson (inducted 1997): She also helped establish the settlement of Portsmouth in what became the Colony of Rhode Island.
Arlene Violet (inducted 1996): She made history as the first woman attorney general in the entire United States.
Lizzie Murphy (inducted 1994): She was a baseball player who was the first woman to play against major league players.
Florence K. Murray (inducted 1980): She was a pioneer in law and politics. She was the first woman state senator, the first woman judge, and the first woman on the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Princess Red Wing (inducted 1978): She was a member of the Narragansett tribe. She helped write the tribe's rules and designed their official seal.
Matilda Sissieretta Jones (inducted 1977): She was an internationally famous singer, known for her beautiful soprano voice.
Ruth Buzzi (inducted 1971): She is a well-known American comedian and actress.
JoAnne Carner (inducted 1969): She was a champion golfer who won many national and state titles.
Aileen Riggin (inducted 2004): She was an Olympic gold medalist in swimming at the 1920 Summer Olympics when she was only 14 years old!
Ruth Hussey (inducted 1967): She was an actress who was nominated for an Academy Award.
Glenna Collett-Vare (inducted 1966): She was a champion golfer who was one of the best in the sport during the 1920s.