I am honored to be a part of the March to Mother’s Day campaign here in Virginia! Our state is packed with history, as last week’s Tom Tom Festival posts showcased. I feel very lucky to live so close to Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland, which was President Monroe’s house. Love being an easy drive to Williamsburg and Jamestown too.
Women’s history has always been close to my heart, and it was my focus of study at Davidson College, especially the women’s rights movement of the 1860s.
In partnership with the 2019 Commemoration, The Women’s Monument Commission and the Virginia Capitol Foundation are commissioning 12 statues of historic women on the Virginia State Capitol grounds. “Voices From The Garden” will recognize the diversity and achievements of twelve remarkable Virginia women.
One of those twelve women is Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley.
When I surveyed the list of women, I immediately recognized her name, and I realized it’s because there is a historic sign dedicated to her in front of the Burwell School in my hometown of Hillsborough, just a block from my parents’ house. It’s crazy to think that she and I walked a few centuries apart on the same ground in the same town.
Elizabeth was born into slavery in Dinwiddie, Virginia, in 1818 and eventually, was sent to Hillsborough to serve the Burwell family. While there, she suffered through horrific times, from a stern mistress to a forced sexual relationship with a wealthy man in the town, from which her son George, was born. After 1839, she was sent to St. Louis with the family. While there, she fell in love and began to participate in activities with the free black population. In 1855, Elizabeth and George were able to buy their freedom for $1,200.
During this time, she worked as a seamstress, gaining a following and building a business. A dress she made for Robert E. Lee’s wife caught the eye of Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln hired Elizabeth as her personal dresser and dressmaker for six years. After the death of her George during the war, Elizabeth founded the Contraband Relief Association, later known as the Ladies’ Freedmen and Soldiers’ Relief Association. Later in life, she wrote an autobiography, Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave, And Four Years in the White House.
I especially admire Elizabeth because she did not let her life circumstances keep her from pressing onward. She was smart, persistent, strong, business minded, and a leader of her time.
I have so many women to admire in my own life. From my grandmother who was smart as a whip and could spout out wonderful historical facts, to my mother who has persisted with her writing because she loves it so, to the strong women I call my best friends, to my business-minded blog friends who inspire me every day, to leaders like Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey. All of these women embody the same traits that made Elizabeth Keckley a remarkable figure.
From the Women’s March on Washington to posts on Facebook, women are coming together more than ever before thanks to modern communication and technology. As we do this, we honor the women who came before us. You can celebrate an inspirational woman in your life by giving to the monument fund. I hope you’ll join me in visiting when it is finished in Richmond!
This post is brought to you by the 2019 Commemoration / American Evolution. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the 2019 Commemoration.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
What an honour to be invited! I actually can’t wait for mother’s day now, I really want to throw a nice surprise for my family. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
montessoriishmom says
This was so interesting! I admit I do not know nearly as much as I should about women’s history / the women’s rights movement. I’m on a bit of a hiatus from buying any new books until I read the ones I have, but added her autobiography to my Amazon cart for the future, sounds so interesting!
Mom says
Love the title of this post. I bet Elizabeth Keckley would too!
AmyB says
Love this post!!!
SusanB says
Lovely article, Kath! Elizabeth Keckley was an inspiration!
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
Love this post! Thanks so much for sharing!
Linda @ The Fitty says
I have no idea what to do for mother’s day! Isn’t that on May the 14th, though? I think I still have loads of time.
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
My mom said she wants to go to Rocky Point for Mothers Day… who am I to turn that down?
Kate says
Great post, such an inspirational story. Thank you for sharing it. I lost my mom last year, so this one will be a tough mother’s day. Nice to have heroine’s to look to.
KathEats says
I’m so sorry for your loss
polly says
I love celebrating moms and women in my own life too!
My grandma who endured a husband lost at war, and kept her faith in the Lord throughout. She is the strongest lady, her faith is unshakeable! I adore her.
Also just girls who are encourage each other without judgment. I think our world is soooo quick to judge and quick to assume thing about others which is sad, because it keeps many from knowing some amazing people regardless if you agree on everything.
Being a mom has made me see how important mothers are and how special and precious this job is. It’s an honor, really! Mazen is so lucky to have such a loving momma!
XOXO
KathEats says
Yes and yes!
Mary Beth says
Sounds like a great idea for Mother’s Day! Is that statue you are posing with Elizabeth Keckley? Where is it located? Also, hello to Kath’s mom, it’s always good to see her comments!
KathEats says
That’s Lucy Stone in Boston : )
Tracy says
Who is that a statue of in the photo with you in it? I love your hair color there!
KathEats says
Lucy Stone! I wrote my college thesis on her.
Ella says
Wow! Her life would make an amazing movie. Someone needs to get on that!
alan says
Beautiful post, Kath. Your background sounds very interesting, and I personally look forward to learning more about these trailblazing women in the months ahead
Silvia says
Love this post and what you’ve taught some of us about this remarkable lady Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, who defied the odds and did groundbreaking work for people during the period. She defied the odds and pressed on. Truly an inspiration!
Thanks for a great post!!