Widow Elizabeth Smalley: Women’s Land Inheritance, the Courts, and Voting Rights in 1619 English Virginia

Elizabeth Smalley became the widow of one of the Henrico officers and unlike in England, in Virginia, she inherited all the husband’s wealth – including the land. There were those in Virginia who did want her to acquire what was due her and she took people to court. If Virginia women could inherit the land and own it, does that mean they could by the lawful traditions select officers or members of the new Burgesses for the
1619 assembly? Our program will feature an interpreter who will focus on widow Smalley and her momentous legal issues, as well as other women who were attempting to make new lives in Virginia – but doing so in a different version of England.

Early Virginia history had many women influence what unfolded during the first 300 years. Henricus’ series “Summ-Her of History” will profile who those people were and what events were shaped by these women or how the events taking place shaped the women in those changing times. Several living history experts from the region will be set up on site to tell and demonstrate these fascinating and gripping stories. 

Date: Saturday, July 29

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Cost: $12/adult, $8/children aged 5-12; Henricus Members: free (This program is included in cost of general admission)