Do a Good Turn Daily

Each woman featured in this exhibit was influenced by the Girl Scout organization. Some were Girl Scouts in their youth, learning skills and traits that led them to shape history. Others were honored by the Girl Scouts as adults for their continued efforts helping people.

The Girl Scouts still flourishes today. In the first Girl Scout Handbook (1913), Low said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Low’s belief in women touched the lives of each sitter in this exhibition. 

What principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law do the alumnae demonstrate?
 
Why do you think these women were selected to be honored by the Girl Scouts?

Marian Anderson sang with a voice that came around “once in a hundred years.” This portrait commemorates her 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert, witnessed by millions. Throughout her trailblazing career, she gave voice to many who, like her, faced racism and discrimination.

Lucille Ball changed television forever. Tired of stereotypical acting roles, she created her own show. I Love Lucy became one of the most beloved programs in history. She said, “I'm happy I have brought laughter because I have been shown the value of it in so many lives.”

Leah Chase’s restaurant, Dooky Chase, serves as a community center, a haven for civil rights activists, a gallery for Black artists, and a meeting place for politicians and entertainers.

For over seventy years, Dolores Huerta has fought for the rights of workers, immigrants, women, voters, and others. Over the years, she’s been arrested twenty-two times while leading nonviolent protests and strikes. She still rallies crowds with her iconic phrase, “¡Sí se puede!"

Madeline Albright’s family fled Communism when she was a child. She wrote, “Like all refugees, I shared a hope to live a safe life with dignity and a chance to give back to my new country.” She did through government service and was the first woman Secretary of State.

Marian Wright Edelman was the first African American woman admitted to the Mississippi bar. She championed civil rights with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and founded the Children’s Defense Fund in 1973. Her tireless work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

Frances Arnold uses bioengineering to “explore paths that Nature has left unexplored.” Her innovations earned her a Nobel Prize in chemistry and made her a leader in scientific research and engineering. She said, “If you’re going to change the world, you’ve got to be fearless."

Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 19, 2021, because of Opal Lee’s tireless efforts. As a teacher, social worker, and activist, she is dedicated to community.

As first lady and honorary Girl Scout president, Michelle Obama spoke up for those who were mistreated or ignored and encouraged kindness and hope. Now, she focuses on helping people see the best in themselves and others through her books, films, and charitable foundation.