Franklin County's 'female firsts' share their stories, inspirations and advice
It's hard to think about what Franklin County would be like today if not for the women whose photos are hanging right now on the walls of Chambersburg's Coyle Free Library.
Cumberland Valley School of Music, Chambersburg Council for the Arts, Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, Chambersburg Ballet School, Franklin/Fulton Women in Need and Franklin County Historical Society are some of the organizations that may not be what they are today - or exist at all - if not for these women. They are also business leaders, doctors and nurses, legal minds and leaders in local government of the past and present.
In honor of Women's History Month, local photographer Phillip Whitley and Pam Anderson, who currently works as the county's first certified professional genealogist , organized the photography exhibit, "Franklin County Female Firsts."
The exhibit evolved from a conversation between the two organizers when Anderson, inspired by an exhibit Whitley did last year for Black History Month, shared her idea to highlight women she looks up to. Anderson, who went from being the county's first full-time speech pathologist to the first female president of the Franklin County Builder's Association before jumping into the genealogy field, already knew many of the women who would go on to be featured alongside her in the exhibit.
Each black-and-white photo of the 22 women, taken in a location representative of their life or work, is accompanied by a description of their backgrounds, the role model who inspired their journey, and their words of advice to women and girls today and in the future. The exhibit also features photos with each women holding a photograph of the ancestor who inspired them.
Whitley recalled many of the women talking about the experience of changing people's minds. "When they first started out, the general consensus was people were hesitant and guarded. They prided themselves on changing the perspectives of women in the community and different professions," he said.
Speaking at the opening reception Friday, he said "I hope these photos connect you to their greatness."
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Several of the women shared with a reporter how humbling it is to be included with women they hold in high regard and that they are proud that the community is getting a chance to see the impact women have had on the local area. Yet, most, if not all, of the participants were reluctant to take part and highlight their own achievements.
Rev. Dr. Meagan Boozer, the first female pastor at the more than 250-year-old Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, said she just tries to live her life the best she can.
"I didn't realize I was making such a significant contribution," she said.
Frances Lucille Stence had a storied career at Chambersburg Hospital, working as the director of nursing beginning in 1974, then being promoted to vice president of patient services and later to vice president of professional services.
Stence said taking interest in other people's lives has enriched her own life. But, building connections still comes with formality when you're the boss.
"I could put my foot down on occasion," she said, with a smile.
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Women like Stence and others who were taking on leadership roles in the 1960s, 70s and 80s laid the groundwork for women like Lavinia Reid, who came to Chambersburg 20 years ago and built her ballet school from scratch. Before the establishment of the Chambersburg Ballet Theatre School, there was no classical-ballet training facility within 30 miles, Reid said.
She described seeing the Chamberburg area develop and progress over the past two decades. But, there's still challenges, not limited to location.
"It's still really challenging for women. We're still judged on our looks rather than our character and abilities," she said.
The work by Linda Thomas Worthy may inspire the next generation of female movers and shakers in the community.
The executive director of Franklin County Housing Authority, she grew up in public housing herself before going on to become a first-generation college student and earn a Ph.D. She held administrative positions at Bucknell University in Lewisburg and University of San Francisco before moving to Chambersburg after the former director of the housing authority recruited her to the job.
Although she never planned to work in the public-housing industry, she has found that her own experience growing up in it allows her to better connect with residents, whom she said trust her because she has been in their shoes.
Although reluctant like her fellow participants, Thomas Worthy said she knew her story would be "different than the others." She hopes her story enlightens people, and she is proud to bring diversity - in class, race, socioeconomic status - to the exhibit.
The exhibit is on display through the end of March on the second floor of Coyle Free Library.
Raising money to empower local girls
"Franklin County Female Firsts" serves as a fundraiser for the Franklin County Library System and Healthy Community Partnership's Go Girls Go!, a health and wellness program that teaches girls critical life skills and encourages them to build self-confidence. Money raised will go toward the purchase of 50 copies of "The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience," by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, for girls in the program. Other funds will be donated to the library system for the establishment of "Girl Power," which will help empower girls ages 12-18 with quarterly programs that focus on self-esteem, leadership, body image and life choices.
About $5,000 has been raised so far. To make a donation, make out a check to Franklin County Library System and send it to Coyle Free Library, 102 N. Main St., Chambersburg, 17201.
Correction: Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, not Lewisville. In addition, Linda Worthy goes by the name Linda Thomas Worthy, and she did not previously live in Chambersburg, as the story originally stated.