Women’s Work: The Lee Park Collection

Women’s Work: The Lee Park Collection tells the story of the Memorial Park Wildflower and Bird Sanctuary project in Petersburg, Virginia, which was funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and took place between 1935 and 1940. The project’s aim was to preserve the native flora, particularly wildflowers, as well as document the park’s creation. Presented for the first time, this exhibit includes a selection from the Lee Park Collection, which includes 325 preserved herbarium specimens and 238 botanical watercolor illustrations.

But preservation is not the whole story of Lee Park’s creation. The project was exceptional for its time as it was conceived and planned by women, as well as predominantly created through the labor of women, the vast majority of them Black. Very few of these women’s names are known. This exhibition is a tribute to the nameless and voiceless laborers and the beautiful sanctuary that would not have been possible without the work of these extraordinary women.

Women’s Work includes also includes a virtual exhibit platform where more illustrations and specimens from the collection can be viewed.

• Women’s Work: The Lee Park Collection is currently on display in the Lora M. Robins Library thru September 3, 2024.
• The Library hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Access to this exhibit is included with regular Garden admission, and is free for members.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Become a Garden Member to enjoy a special members-only preview weekend and other member benefits like FREE admission on member nights.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a holiday tradition featuring lights, decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, hot chocolate (for purchase); & more. The region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza!