Local Women of History
Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
Anne Arundel County honors Women's History Month.
In 1987, Congress passed a law authorizing the President to designate the month of March as Women's History Month. Over the years, different aspects of women's history were highlighted. In 2022, this year's theme is inspired by the female frontline workers and caregivers during the pandemic and takes a look back on how women have provided both healing and hope throughout history. Click here to see the County Executives' proclamation page for Women's History Month, which identifies a few noteworthy women who were among the "firsts" in the medical fields of the United States.
Here, we take a look back at just a few examples of local women from Anne Arundel County who have made significant contributions to our history.
Margaret Mercer
A committed abolitionist of the 19th century, Margaret Mercer grew up on her family estate in Galesville.
Geraldine Whittington
Geraldine Whittington left her mark on the Civil Rights Era as the first African American secretary to a U.S. President in the White House.
Cinderella of Belvoir
Read the tragic love story of the freedom seeker, Cinderella Brogden, who escaped from slavery at the Belvoir Plantation in Crownsville in 1848.
Dr. Emily Wilson
Dr. Wilson (1904-2007) broke barriers when she obtained her medical degree in 1927. She is recognized as the first female doctor in southern Anne Arundel County.
More to come...
Throughout Women's History Month, the Cultural Resources Section will be adding more stories to recognize some fascinating women of our local history .
