RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 8News got a sneak peek at plans for the monument that will honor women in Virginia who have made great contributions to the Commonwealth.
This mini model provides a glimpse of ‘Voices In the Garden,’ a plaza on Capitol square dedicated to women. It will feature 12 bronze statues of important historical figures throughout Virginia’s history.
“There are some that most all will recognize, for instance, Martha Washington and for those of us in the Richmond area, Maggie Walker,” explained Alice Lynch, Executive Director of the Virginia Capitol Foundation.
“But there are others whose stories who have not been celebrated in our history books. One, for example, Cockacoeske, she was Chief of Pamunkey Indians and other tribes back in the mid-17th century.”
A monument of this size dedicated to women would be quite a statement for Virginia. Of the 5000 historical statues in the U.S., fewer than 400 honor women. With this design, there’s room to inspire.
“In addition, there will be an inscribed wall called the ‘Wall of Honor’ where we will inscribe 100s of others names of Virginia women, both of the past and those who have yet to make their mark,” Lynch added.
Keeping with its name “Voices in the Garden” on some of the statues you will be able to hear actual recordings of some of the women and their stories.