New Mural Recognizes 250 Years of Women’s Contributions to Society and the Arts in Gloucester
The Cook Foundation is pleased to announce our 25th Anniversary Celebration is underway with the installation of a new mural by artist Bridget Cimino representing 250 years of women in and from Gloucester contributing to the county, Virginia, and the United States of America. From Judith Lomax, a poet born in 1774, to civil rights pioneer Irene Morgan, and Mary Shipko, an aviation pioneer who continues to reside in Gloucester today, the inspiring contributions by women to the county and the Commonwealth are worthy of recognition.
Each of the women holds deep ties to Gloucester and represents historic firsts and achievements, and each one serves as an inspiration for past, present, and future generations.
The mural is located at 6769 Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061. Please find on-street parking and walk over to the mural.
Iconic Women of Gloucester. 2024 Mural by Bridget Cimino.
The mural features the following women, left to right:
Woman with Hat observes the arc of history and the iconic women who transformed Gloucester over the last 250 years and inspires the viewers to consider their place and inspiration for the coming 250 years.
Judith Lomax, (1774 – 1828), was the first woman to publish a book of poetry in Virginia, The Notes of an American Lyre, printed by Samuel Pleasants.
The Suffragette represents the first women in Gloucester to vote.
Jennie Booth Moton, (1879-1942), a Gloucester native, served as the Director of the Department of Women's Industries at the Tuskegee Institute, was a lifelong educator, and was married to Robert Russa Moton.
Margaret Ann Tunner, (1917 - 2009), WASP during World War II who retired to a beautiful farm in Ware Neck, Virginia in 1960 with her husband Lt. General William Tunner. She also testified before Congress to request recognition of the WASPs as having performed militarily during WWII. Her request was successful and transformed history for the women she served alongside.
Irene Morgan, (1917 - 2007), a civil rights icon whose landmark case in 1944 - 1946, argued by Thurgood Marshall on behalf of Morgan and the NAACP, resulted in a US Supreme Court decision that set a legal precedent that bolstered the Freedom Rider movement largely credited to Rosa Parks. Morgan also worked during this time on the production line of the B-26 Marauder aircraft.