Famous Vermonters VT Women
Vermont, the Green Mountain State, has a storied history of trailblazing women whose contributions span politics, arts, science, activism, and beyond. From historical figures who shaped the state’s identity to contemporary leaders making waves in their respective fields, Vermont women have left indelible marks on history and society.
Meet some exceptional women born or living in Vermont. Vermont has been the birthplace of many well-known female celebrities, politicians, actors, writers, educators, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs. Below is a partial list of “Famous Vermont Women”. Ask us about visiting Vermont or share your suggestions of famous Vermont people. To feature your business in VT Living, contact us.
Famous Vermont Women
Pioneering Women of Vermont History
Ann Story: The Courageous Revolutionary
Ann Story (1735–1815) is celebrated as Vermont’s “Mother of the Green Mountain Boys.” A settler in Salisbury, she became a key figure during the American Revolution, sheltering soldiers and relaying critical intelligence. Her resilience in the face of adversity exemplifies the fortitude of early Vermont settlers.
Clarina Howard Nichols: Advocate for Women’s Rights
Clarina Howard Nichols (1810–1885) was a journalist and women’s rights activist whose advocacy extended far beyond Vermont. An editor at the “Windham County Democrat,” she used her platform to promote suffrage and property rights for women, paving the way for future generations of feminists.
Edna Beard: Vermont’s First Female Legislator
In 1921, Edna Beard (1877–1950) made history as the first woman elected to Vermont’s legislature. Representing Orange County, she championed education and social welfare reforms, setting a precedent for women’s active participation in Vermont politics.
Vermont Women in the Arts
Dorothy Canfield Fisher: Literary Luminary
Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1879–1958) was a renowned author, educational reformer, and social activist. Her works, such as Understood Betsy, celebrated rural Vermont life and progressive education. Fisher also introduced Montessori teaching methods to the United States, influencing generations of educators.
Helen Hartness Flanders: Preserver of Folk Music
Helen Hartness Flanders (1890–1972) was a pioneering musicologist who collected and preserved New England’s folk music traditions. Her extensive recordings and archives remain invaluable resources for scholars and enthusiasts of traditional music.
Grace Coolidge: First Lady with Vermont Roots
Although she served as First Lady of the United States, Grace Coolidge (1879–1957) never forgot her Vermont heritage. Known for her charm and advocacy for the hearing impaired, Coolidge’s graciousness earned her a lasting place in the hearts of Vermonters and Americans alike.
Trailblazers in Science and Education
Mary Jane Austin: Champion of Education
Mary Jane Austin (1819–1900) was one of Vermont’s earliest advocates for public education. A teacher and principal, she worked tirelessly to improve access to quality education for children across the state, particularly young girls.
Dr. Elizabeth LaBoiteaux: Medical Pioneer
Dr. Elizabeth LaBoiteaux (1889–1971) was among Vermont’s first female physicians. She specialized in pediatrics, dedicating her life to improving healthcare for children and underserved populations in rural communities.
Vermont Women in Activism and Social Change
Madeleine Kunin: Governor and Advocate
Madeleine Kunin, Vermont’s first and only female governor (serving from 1985 to 1991), broke barriers in politics and governance. A staunch advocate for education, environmental conservation, and gender equality, Kunin remains an influential voice in American politics.
Lucy Terry Prince: The First Black American Poet
Lucy Terry Prince (1730–1821) was enslaved in Deerfield, Massachusetts, before becoming a free woman in Vermont. Her poem “Bars Fight” is the oldest known work of literature by an African American. Prince’s eloquence and activism, including a successful legal battle for her family’s land, exemplify her remarkable intellect and determination.
Contemporary Icons of Vermont
Alison Bechdel: Cartoonist and Cultural Commentator
Alison Bechdel, author of the acclaimed graphic memoir Fun Home, grew up in Vermont and remains a resident. Her work, including the “Bechdel Test” for gender representation in media, has sparked global conversations about identity and representation.
Jody Williams: Nobel Laureate
Jody Williams, a native of Vermont, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for her leadership in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Her activism underscores Vermont’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
Grace Potter: Musical Sensation
Hailing from Waitsfield, Grace Potter is a celebrated singer-songwriter whose powerful voice and dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide. As the frontwoman of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, she continues to bring Vermont’s creative spirit to the global stage.
Honoring Vermont Women’s Contributions
From the Green Mountain State’s rugged landscapes to its vibrant cultural and political arenas, Vermont women have consistently demonstrated courage, creativity, and compassion. Their stories inspire generations to embrace the values of resilience and innovation that define Vermont.
To learn more about these extraordinary women and their contributions, visit Vermont Living’s online resources celebrating Vermont history and culture.
Discover More with Vermont Living
For more stories about Vermont’s history, and culture, and inspiring individuals, visit Vermont Living at vtliving.com. Explore comprehensive guides, fascinating articles, and updates about the Green Mountain State. Don’t forget to bookmark Vermont Living—your gateway to Vermont’s unique charm and heritage.
My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl’s Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize
Jody Williams was born October 9, 1950, in Putney, Vermont. She was a co-coordinator of the Nicaragua-Honduras Education Project and the former deputy director of Medical Aid for El Salvador. In 1992 she coordinated the launch of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. She and the campaign were named co-recipients of the Nobel Prize for Peace 1997.
Grace Potter was born on June 20, 1983, in Waitsfield, Vermont. Grace learned to play piano by her mother and later became the lead singer of the Nocturnals while attending St. Lawrence University.
Shirley Muldowney was born Shirley Roque on June 19, 1940 in Burlington, Vermont, to Belgium Benedict and Mae Roque. Shirley was the first woman to be licensed by the National Hot Rod Association and the first female to drive a top fuel dragster. Shirley Muldowney is known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing” (and sometimes known as “Cha Cha”). Muldowney won 18 NHRA national events during her sensational career.
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