At an event at the Raleigh City Museum, we chose to honor women in history as a lead into our women\'s conference

2. Bella Abzug 1920 - 1998 New York City civil rights and labor attorney known for her wide-brimmed hats and fiery personality. Tireless crusader for the poor, minorities, and women. In 1970, she was elected to the House of Representatives and on her first day introduced a bill calling for an end to the Vietnam War. During her two terms in office, she would continue to fight for women’s rights, gay rights, and other issues. QUOTE: “ I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee. ”

3. Jane Adams 1860 - 1935 QUOTE: “ I am not one of those who believe - broadly speaking - that women are better than men. We have not wrecked railroads, nor corrupted legislatures, nor done many unholy things that men have done; but then we must remember that we have not had the chance.” Social Activist Founder of Hull House Charter Member of the NAACP Nobel Peace Prize winner Labor Union Organizer

4. Madeleine Albright Born 1937 In 1997, she was sworn in as U.S. secretary of state She is the first woman in this position as well as the highest-ranking woman in the United States government. QUOTE: I don't want to sound Pollyannaish, but I hope that out of a tragedy like this something good will come. I hope we understand we're one family.

5. Maya Angelou Born 1928 American poet Memoirist Actress Important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement In 2001 she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal. Lives in Winston-Salem ,NC QUOTE: “ A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”

6. Susan B. Anthony 1820 - 1906 Abolitionist Educational Reformer Labor Activist Temperance Worker Suffragist Women’s Rights Campaigner QUOTE: “ Independence is happiness.“

7. Josephine Baker 1906 - 1975 African-American International Star Civil Rights Activist World War II heroine QUOTE: “ Surely the day will come when color means nothing more than the skin tone, when religion is seen uniquely as a way to speak one's soul; when birth places have the weight of a throw of the dice and all men are born free, when understanding breeds love and brotherhood.”

8. Lucille Ball 1911 - 1989 QUOTE: “ The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. ” Remains one of the most loved comedians of all times First woman to ever run a multi-million dollar corporation. I Love Lucy remains one of the most loved TV shows of all times.

9. Ann Bancroft Born 1955 Teacher, coach, and athlete The first woman who joined a dogsled expedition and crossed the ice to the North Pole. In 1993, Bancroft led a team of four women, skiing and pulling sleds, to the South Pole. Involved in organizations dedicated to helping women, girls, and those with learning and physical disabilities. QUOTE: “ Whatever it is that will bring me the reward of paradise, I'll do the best I can.” ]

10. Ida B. Wells Barnett 1826 - 1931 African-American Educator Newspaperwoman Anti-Lynching Campaigner Founder NAACP QUOTE: “ One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or a rat in a trap.”

11. Clara Barton 1821 - 1912 Civil War nurse Founder, The American Red Cross QUOTE: “ An institution or reform movement that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering, or diminishing the sum of happiness. I suppose it is a philanthropic movement to try to reverse the process.”

12. Joan Benoit Samuelson Born 1957 The marathon for women was introduced in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and this 26-year-old took home the gold, becoming a national celebrity. Famous for her record-breaking performances in the Boston Marathon, setting an American record in 1979 and a world record in 1983. QUOTE: “ When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers.”

13. Bonnie Blair Born 1964 The fastest U.S. speed skater who ever lived. Considered one of the top 10 winter Olympic athletes of all time. Winner of five Olympic gold medals, and the first American athlete to win three consecutive golds in any winter Olympics event. QUOTE: “ Winning doesn't always mean being first. Winning means you're doing better than you've ever done before.”

14. Helen Gurley Brown Born 1922 Author Editor, Cosmopolitan Magazine Brown claimed that women could have it all, "love, sex, and money". QUOTE: "Beauty can't amuse you, but brainwork - reading, writing, thinking - can."

15. Molly Brown 1867 - 1932 Famous survivor of the Titanic disaster Part of the Denver mining boom Known as “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown QUOTE: “It's not the money I love, it's the not having it I hate.”

16. Martha Jane “Calamity Jane” Cannary 1852 - 1903 A lone woman in the wilds of the Rocky Mountain west Gender rebel Frontier Figure & Wild West show performer QUOTE: “ When I joined Custer I donned the uniform of a soldier. It was a bit awkward at first but I soon got to be perfectly at home in men's clothes.”

17. Rachel Carson 1907 - 1964 Marine Biologist Science Writer Environmentalist QUOTE: “ It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility.”

18. Rosalynn Carter Born 1927 Wife of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter Honored by the National Organization for Women with an Award of Merit for her vigorous support for the Equal Rights Amendment QUOTE: “ Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place.”

19. Carrie Chapman Catt 1859-1947 Suffragette Founder, The League of Women Voters QUOTE: "Roll up your sleeves, set your mind to making history, and wage such a fight for liberty that the whole world will respect our sex."

20. Shirley Chisholm 1924 - 2005 In 1968, this New York City teacher and child care worker changed the face of Congress when she became the first African-American woman elected. Chisholm worked to reform government to meet the needs of all citizens, especially minorities, women, and children. QUOTE: “ The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says: It's a girl. ”

21. Eva M. Clayton Born 1934 First woman and first African American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress Advocate for rural health care, housing assistance and job training QUOTE: “ One objective of welfare reform, shared by both political parties, is to reduce teenage childbearing.”

22. Lillian Exum Clement 1894 - 1925 Buncombe County native becomes the first woman elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives First woman to serve in any state legislature in the south First woman in North Carolina to open her own law practice QUOTE: “ ...I want to blaze a trail for other women. I know that years from now there will be many other women in politics, but you have to start a thing."

23. Bessie Coleman 1893 - 1926 First African American woman to receive her Pilot’s License First US Woman to hold an International Pilot License QUOTE: “ The air is the only place free from prejudices. ”

24. Mildred “Babe” Didrikson 1914 - 1956 Six-time winner of the Woman Athlete of the Year award. Named Woman Athlete of the Half Century in 1950 She holds more medals and records in more sports than any other 20th century athlete. QUOTE: " It s not just enough to swing at the ball. You've got to loosen your girdle and really let the ball have it. "

25. Dorothea Dix 1802 - 1887 Opened and ran a small “dame school” for girls at the age of 15 Noted social reformer and lifelong advocate of better treatment for the mentally ill and imprisoned Persuaded the North Carolina State Legislature to make its first appropriation to a hospital for the insane QUOTE: “ In a world where there is so much to be done, I felt strongly impressed that there must be something for me to do.”

26. Isadora Duncan 1878 - 1927 Mother of Modern Dance Met her demise in a freak automobile accident where her scarf got caught in the wheel of the car and killed her instantly. QUOTE: “ People do not live nowadays. They get about ten percent out of life. “

27. Amelia Earhart 1897 - 1937 Aviatrix Co-Navigated the first Round-The-World Flight During a flight, her plane disappeared and her death remains a mystery QUOTE: “ Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. The soul that knows it not, knows no release from little things.”

28. Gertrude Ederle Born 1906 In 1926, Ederle not only completed swimming the English Channel, she broke the men’s record by almost two hours. She set many other world records in swimming and won three medals in the 1924 Olympic games. She later became a swimming instructor for the deaf, as her own hearing had been permanently impaired by the famous English Channel swim. QUOTE: “ To me, the sea is like a person - like a child that I've known a long time. It sounds crazy, I know, but when I swim in the sea I talk to it. I never feel alone when I'm out there. ”

30. Geraldine Ferraro Born 1935 First woman to be nominated for a for a presidential ticket. Earlier in her career, Ferraro was a district attorney, working to protect women, children, and the elderly. QUOTE: “ Modern life is confusing - no "Ms. take" about it. ”

31. Betty Friedan 1921 - 2006 Writer and activist Helped shape the modern feminist movement. In 1966, she co-founded and served as president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), an organization dedicated to equal opportunities for women. QUOTE: “ The only way for a woman, as for a man, to find herself, to know herself as a person, is by creative work of her own. There is no other way. ”

32. Dian Fossey 1932 - 1985 Ddevoted her life to the study and protection of mountain gorillas, beginning in 1966. Earning their trust, she was the first person to have friendly contact with a gorilla. Her book Gorillas in the Mist brought international attention to the plight of the mountain gorillas and gorilla poaching. QUOTE: “ When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.”

33. Althea Gibson Born 1927 Excluded from professional tennis tournaments early in her career because she was black. But in 1950, she was finally permitted to play in the U.S. Nationals (today the U.S. Open). First African American to compete in the tournament and won in 1957 and 1958. First African American to win the French Open and Wimbledon. QUOTE: Shaking hands with the Queen of England was a long way from being forced to sit in the colored section of the bus going into downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.

34. Jane Goodall Born 1934 QUOTE: “ If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way. ” English primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist. She is best-known for her study of chimpanzee social and family life in Gombe Stream National Park for 45 years, and for founding the Jane Goodall Institute.

35. Mia Hamm Born 1972 Considered one of the best woman athletes in the world. Led the USA in an Olympic gold medal and two World Cup championships. By 1999, she scored more points in international competition than any other soccer player in history, man or woman. QUOTE: “ True champions aren't always the ones that win, but those with the most guts.”

36. Audrey Hepburn 1929 - 1993 QUOTE: "The most important thing is to enjoy life - to be happy - that's all that matters." an Academy Award-winning Anglo-Dutch actress of film and theatre, Broadway stage performer, ballerina, fashion model, and humanitarian. In 1999, she was ranked as the third greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute in

37. Katharine Hepburn 1907 - 2003 QUOTE: “ I never realized until lately that women were supposed to be the inferior sex.” In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Hepburn as the top female star in their Greatest American Screen Legends list Hepburn had a famous and longtime romance with Spencer Tracy, both on- and off-screen.

38. Rear Admiral Grace Hopper 1906 - 1992 Computer pioneer First person to use the term “bug” for a computer glitch. The oldest officer in active duty when she retired in 1986. QUOTE: "A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Be good ships and sail out to sea and do new things."

39. Hedda Hopper 1890-1966 In the golden age of Hollywood, she could make or break careers Gossip was her business J. Edgar Hoover was her pen pal QUOTE: "Nobody's interested in sweetness and light!"

40. Dolores Huerta Born 1930 A teacher who saw the effects of the working conditions on migrant farm families. In 1962 she co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. Her work led to the passage of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (1975), the first “bill of rights” for farm workers in the United States. One of the most respected leaders of the labor movement, she embraces nonviolent actions to fight for change. QUOTE: “ If you haven’t forgiven yourself something, how can you forgive others?”

41. Mahalia Jackson 1912-1972 Extraordinary gospel singer First African-American woman to gain national acclaim for gospel music QUOTE: “ Time is important to me because I want to sing long enough to leave a message. “

42. “ Mother” Mary Harris Jones 1837 - 1930 Irish immigrant who lost her family to yellow fever Became the self-proclaimed mother and “hell-raiser” for the downtrodden American laborer, especially children. QUOTE: "No matter what the fight, don't be ladylike! God almighty made women and the Rockefeller gang of thieves made the ladies."

43. Helen Keller 1880 - 1968 A deaf and blind American author Activist Lecturer QUOTE: “ The best and most beautiful things in the world can not be seen nor touched…but are felt in the heart.”

44. Jackie Joyner-Kersee Born 1962 Although she has struggled with asthma and allergies for years, many consider Joyner-Kersee the best all-around woman athlete in the world. She has won six Olympic medals, including three gold, in the long jump and heptathlon. She also broke the world record in the heptathlon, a two-day event that includes hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, javelin, a 200-meter race, and an 800-meter race. QUOTE: “ My grandma named me after Jacqueline Kennedy, hoping that someday I'd be the first lady of something. ”

45. Billie Jean King Born 1943 Famous Tennis Player Most famous for the “Battle of The Sexes” Match where she defeated Bobby Riggs in 1973 QUOTE: “Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball.”

46. Juliette Gordon Low 1860 - 1927 Founder, Girl Scouts of America QUOTE: “ The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers."

47. Barbara McClintock 1902 - 1992 In 1951, this geneticist found that genetic information could transfer from one chromosome to another. This information would ultimately help in understanding human disease. It took years before the scientific community acknowledged her findings, at the age of 81, McClintock was awarded the Nobel Prize in Genetics. QUOTE: “ If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off. . . no matter what they say.”

48. Mary McLeod Bethune 1875 - 1955 Teacher and social reformer Founded a school for young African-American women in 1904 – now Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL. Founder of the National Council of Negro Women “to advance opportunities and the quality of life for African American women, their families, and communities. ” QUOTE: “ Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough. ”

49. Elaine Marshall Born 1945 Elected North Carolina’s first female secretary of state First woman elected to statewide executive office QUOTE: “ Women do find countless ways to achieve, express ourselves and to triumph, even when the expectations and norms of the day are not in our favor.”

50. Dolley Madison 1768 - 1849 Guilford County native Dolley Madison, wife of fourth president James Madison, remains one of the most popular first ladies in the nation's history Rescued valuable treasures from the White House before it was burned by the British army in 1814 Sassy lover of feather turbans and snuff QUOTE: “ It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire a knowledge of other people's business.”

51. Margaret Mead 1901 - 1978 Famous for bringing the science of anthropology to the general public, such as in her first book, Coming of Age in Samoa . Her works urged Americans to reconsider their notions of adolescence and the role of women in society. QUOTE: “ Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”

52. Marilyn Monroe 1926 - 1962 QUOTE: “ I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot. ” Born Norma Jeane Mortensen, she grew up in foster care She made 29 films Her untimely death has been subject to speculation and conspiracy theories

53. Sandra Day O’Connor Born 1930 Appointed by President Reagan to the Supreme Court, making her its first woman justice in 1981. QUOTE: “ Slaying the dragon of delay is no sport for the short-winded. ”

54. Georgia O’Keeffe 1887 - 1986 Famed American artist who defied convention in both her art and her private life. QUOTE: “ I feel there is something unexplored about woman that only a woman can explore.”

55. Annie Oakley 1860 - 1926 World Famous Markswoman Entertainer QUOTE: “ I went all to pieces under the care of a home.”

56. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 1929 - 1944 Wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. (Jack) Kennedy During his Presidency, "Jackie Kennedy" became known mostly for her fashion sense and for her redecoration of the White House. QUOTE: “ I want to live my life, not record it. ”

57. Rosa Parks 1913 - 2005 QUOTE: “ I knew someone had to take the first step and I made up my mind not to move. ” Known as “the mother of the Civil Rights Movement” A seamstress changed history with a simple, courageous act in 1955. Refused to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man and was arrested for it. In 1956, the Supreme Court ruled segregation on buses illegal.

58. Alice Stokes Paul 1885 - 1977 The woman who rescued the woman suffrage movement in 1910 and made sure women got the vote. QUOTE: "Each of us puts in a little stone and then you get a great mosaic at the end."

59. Beverly Perdue Born 1948 Elected North Carolina’s first female lieutenant governor Served as one of the state’s chief budget writers – the first woman to hold this position A champion of health and wellness, public education, clean water and air QUOTE: “ I want North Carolina to be the state with the best educated workforce in the world, to be the healthiest state in America, and quality jobs available for every worker in North Carolina. ”

60. Dana Reeve 1961 - 2006 QUOTE: “ You have to celebrate the gifts because life is so hard and I think once you realize life's gonna be hard, the good stuff really comes forward.” American actress, singer, and activist for disability causes. She was also the wife of actor Christopher Reeve.

61. Janet Reno Born 1938 In 1993, Janet Reno becomes the first woman U.S. attorney general. QUOTE: “ What I try to do is take the evidence and pursue it the best way I know how.”

62. Libby Riddles Born 1956 The first woman ever to win the Iditarod, a challenging 1000-mile dog sled race across Alaska, which has historically been a sport dominated by men. QUOTE: "In some ways, I think I was lucky, and the fates tossed me in the right direction, but it is important to know at whatever age that we are all capable of forging a life of our choosing. ”

63. Dr. Sally K. Ride Born 1951 In 1983 becomes the first American woman to be sent into space. Currently she is a physicist and physics professor at the University of California, San Diego QUOTE: “ All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary.”

64. Eleanor Roosevelt 1884 - 1962 Wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt First Activist First Lady QUOTE: “ I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision. ”

65. Florence Sabin 1871 - 1953 In 1900, she became the first woman to graduate from Johns Hopkins Medical School. She became the first woman to be named a full professor at Johns Hopkins. Her research led to important discoveries on the origins of the lymphatic system. QUOTE: "The prohibition law, written for weaklings and derelicts, has divided the nation, like Gaul, into three parts -- wets, drys, and hypocrites."

66. Margaret Sanger 1879 - 1966 This activist was a birth control advocate at a time when it was illegal simply to send mail with information on the topic. In 1914, she published The Women Rebel , a newspaper advocating birth control. Opened the nation’s first birth control clinic in 1916 and was arrested, spending a month in jail. Founder, Planned Parenthood QUOTE: No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother.”

67. Muriel Siebert Born 1932 Financial expert was one of the first big players on Wall Street. In 1967, she became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1975, her firm, Muriel Siebert and Company, became the nation’s first discount broker. She donates half of her firm’s profits to charities. QUOTE: “ We're going to see what Bush says tonight, and we're going to see what Greenspan says tomorrow -- now that's a real one-two punch.”

68. Gloria Steinem Born 1934 An American feminist icon Journalist and women's rights advocate She is the founder and original publisher of Ms . magazine. QUOTE: “ A pedestal is as much a prison as any small, confined space. ”

69. Annie Sullivan 1886 - 1936 Helen Keller’s Teacher Prior to her death, she became blind QUOTE: “ Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction .”

70. Helen Herron Taft 1861 - 1943 Wife of William H. Taft, 27th President of the United States, Always longed to live in the White House. Known for planting Washington D.C.’s legendary cherry trees. 1st First Lady to be interred in Arlington National Cemetery SHOULD HAVE SAID: “ Be Strong – Be Healthy – Be in Charge”

71. Annie Edson Taylor 1838 - 1931 On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a schoolteacher from Michigan, becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. It was a pickle barrel lined with a mattress. QUOTE: If it was with my dying breath, I would caution anyone against attempting the feat... I would sooner walk up to the mouth of a cannon, knowing it was going to blow me to pieces than make another trip over the Fall.

72. Harriet Tubman 1820 (?) - 1913 Underground Railroad conductor Army scout African-American suffragette QUOTE: "There's two things I got a right to and these are Death and Liberty. If I could not have one, I would have the other."

73. Mae West 1860 - 1935 First to earn 1 million dollars in the movie business. QUOTE: “ Too much of a good thing is wonderful.“

74. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker 1832 - 1919 Prisoner of war during the Civil War Writer Doctor Fashion trend-setter Only female to receive the Medal of Honor QUOTE: “ Let the generations know that women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom.”

75. Margaret Bourke-White 1904 - 1971 Groundbreaking photo-journalist First photographer for Fortune magazine, in 1929. In 1930, she was the first Western photographer allowed into the Soviet Union QUOTE: “ Work is something you can count on, a trusted, lifelong friend who never deserts you.”

76. Laura Ingalls Wilder 1867 - 1957 Famed children’s author “ storyteller of the prairie.” QUOTE: “ I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”

77. Oprah Winfrey Born 1954 Multiple-Emmy Award winning host of The Oprah Winfrey Show The highest rated talk show in television history Academy Award-nominated actress Magazine Publisher Ranked the richest African American of the 20th century The world's only black billionaire for three straight years. QUOTE: "It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you — always."