HISTORICAL VIRAGOS
JULIA CHILD
Julia Child can be considered a virago in the most positive sense of the word. She was a trailblazer in the culinary world, fearlessly breaking down barriers in a male-dominated field with her authoritative yet approachable demeanor. Child's relentless determination and passion for cooking transformed American cuisine and empowered countless home cooks to embrace French cooking techniques. Her towering presence, both physically and in spirit, combined with her unapologetic confidence and dedication, exemplifies the strength, courage, and formidable spirit often attributed to a virago.
susan b. anthony
Bold, brave, and unwavering, Susan B. Anthony was the very definition of a Virago. Fearlessly challenging the norms of her time, she dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and social justice, refusing to stay silent in the face of inequality. Her fierce determination and tireless advocacy laid the groundwork for the women’s suffrage movement and helped shape a more just and equitable future. Anthony’s unshakable spirit continues to inspire generations to stand tall, speak out, and push forward—her legacy a lasting reminder of what it means to be a true Virago.
maggie walker
Maggie Walker was visionary, courageous, and unrelenting in her pursuit of progress. As the first African American woman to charter and serve as president of a bank in the United States, she shattered barriers in a time when both race and gender posed immense obstacles. A powerful voice for economic empowerment and education, Walker led the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank and uplifted countless Black families in Richmond through financial independence and community investment. Her leadership extended beyond business, as she championed civil rights and social justice with unwavering determination. Maggie Walker’s legacy is a testament to the power of fearless women who refuse to be confined—true Viragos who change the world.
zipporah cohen
A trailblazing Virago in every sense, Zipporah Michelbacher Cohen embodied fearless leadership and compassionate action. The daughter of Rabbi Michelbacher, Congregation Beth Ahabah’s first rabbi and the inspiration behind the founding of the Ladies Hebrew Association (now JFS), Zipporah carried forward her family’s legacy with remarkable strength and vision. A gifted leader and steadfast advocate, she became a driving force in Richmond’s philanthropic community, guiding Jewish Family Services through some of the most challenging moments of the early 20th century—including epidemics, the Great Depression, and World War I. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to others made her the very personification of a Virago: bold, pioneering, and deeply rooted in service.
Frida kahlo
A virago in the truest sense: Frida Kahlo was fierce, unapologetic, and radically herself. Her life was marked by both physical pain and emotional turmoil, yet she transformed suffering into beauty with every brushstroke. Frida painted her reality, not to please the world, but to reveal the truth as she saw and felt it—raw, intimate, and unfiltered.
Uncompromising in her beliefs, Frida was a political thinker, a feminist, and a revolutionary who challenged traditional ideas of gender, identity, and beauty long before it was widely accepted. She wore her heritage proudly, defied convention in how she lived and loved, and created art that was both deeply personal and universally resonant.
This July, in honor of her birth month, we celebrate her enduring legacy—one that reminds us to live authentically, speak boldly, and never shrink from who we are.
UPCOMING EVENT
Defiant Spirits: Exploring the Legacy of Clementina Rind
Thursday, August 14th | 6 pm
On August 14th, Virago Spirits and the VMHC will highlight Clementina Rind from the VMHC “Give Me Liberty” exhibition – the first major exhibition in the US to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Rind took over her husband’s printing office upon his death, and in 1773 became Virginia’s first female printer and newspaper publisher. She printed Thomas Jefferson’s A Summary View of the Rights of British America and published the widely-read Virginia Gazette. Her printed work was distributed and vigorously debated in Virginia’s taverns and public houses. On August 14th we will explore tavern culture; its importance in the political climate of the day and the beverages enjoyed by our Founding Fathers as they made their way towards the American Revolution.
*Please note that this event will take place at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
