Honoring Women Who Have Shaped Our Nation's History
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize and pay tribute to the remarkable achievements and lasting influence of women throughout history. Join the Miami-Dade Public Library System as we celebrate all month long through a variety of engaging events, including film screenings, special presentations, live performances and more.
Join the Miami-Dade Public Library System as we celebrate Women's History Month with a variety of programs, events, books and more that honor inspiring women whose lasting legacies have shaped art, culture and science for generations to come.
Since its founding in 1923, the Coral Gables Woman's Club has played an important role in the City Beautiful. Learn more about this dynamic organization – and the remarkable women behind it – with the Library's Digital Collection.
Nicknamed the “Mother of Miami,” Julia Tuttle was a pioneering businesswoman and the only female founder of a major U.S. city. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1848, she first visited southern Florida in 1875 and fell in love with the area. After the death of her husband in 1886, Tuttle moved to Miami in 1891 with her two children, purchasing 640 acres of land on the north side of the Miami River.
Tuttle recognized the potential of Miami as a center of trade and prosperity but understood that the area needed a railroad to thrive. She took it upon herself to persuade Henry Flagler, a wealthy railroad magnate, to extend his Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami. After initially facing rejection, Tuttle's determination paid off when she sent Flagler a bouquet of orange blossoms, demonstrating that the Miami area had been spared from the devastating Great Freeze of 1894-1895 that had destroyed much of Florida's citrus industry. This pivotal moment led Flagler to agree to extend the railroad to Miami, which arrived on April 22, 1896.
Thanks to Tuttle's efforts, Miami was officially incorporated on July 28, 1896. She played a crucial role in the city's early development, establishing its first laundry, bakery, and dairy. Julia Tuttle passed away in 1898, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the course of Miami's history.
View of Miami from the Miami River, circa 1920
Statue of Julia Tuttle located in Bayfront Park
Mary Brickell is another founder of the Miami area and helped to continue the work of Julia Tuttle in growing Miami into the city it is today. Born in England, she moved to Australia with her family before eventually settling in the United States. In 1871, she and her husband, William Barnwell Brickell, established their homestead at the mouth of the Miami River, where they opened a trading post that became a vital hub for the local community, including Native Americans and Black families.
Mary Brickell was not only a businesswoman but also a savvy negotiator. She and her husband acquired over 2,000 acres of land, which they developed into key areas of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. After William's death in 1908, Mary took over the management of their businesses and continued to expand their real estate holdings, significantly contributing to the growth of the region.
Her efforts were instrumental in bringing Henry Flagler's railroad to Miami, as she and Tuttle donated land to facilitate this expansion, which was pivotal for the city's growth. Mary Brickell's legacy is honored in the naming of Brickell Avenue in Miami, reflecting her lasting impact on the area.
Early rendering of future Brickell condos
Brickell skyline, present day
Born in 1870, Lily Lawrence Bow moved to Florida in 1900 with her husband, Richard. They relocated to Cudjoe Key in 1904 and later settled in Homestead, where they lived in a log cabin at the intersection of Second Avenue and Avocado Drive. As a dedicated community advocate, Bow played a significant role in the development of local education and culture.
In 1920, Bow was appointed Chair of the Library Committee for the Women’s Club of Homestead, which soon evolved into a public library. The library gained popularity, and during the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) facilitated the construction of a permanent library building, completed in 1939. Bow became the city’s first librarian, although she was also appointed as a police officer due to the lack of a designated librarian position in the city.
The library underwent various changes over the years, including operation by the Metro-Dade County Library System from 1975 to 1980. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 1996, and currently serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency for the City of Homestead. In addition to her roles in the community, Bow was also a poet and served as editor of the "Pirate’s Gold" column in The Redland District News.
Exterior view of Lily Lawrence Bow Library, 1980s
Library building repurposed as the current Community Redevelopment Agency
Mary Athalie Range was a pioneering civil rights activist and politician, born on November 7, 1915, in Key West, Florida. She moved to Miami as a child and became actively involved in her community after marrying Oscar Lee Range. Following her husband's death in 1960, she took over the family funeral business and began her advocacy work, particularly in education, where she served as president of the Parent Teacher Association at Liberty City Elementary School. Her efforts led to significant improvements in the conditions for Black students in Miami-Dade County.
In 1965, Range made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the Miami City Commission. During her tenure, she fought for equal services for Black neighborhoods, including improved garbage collection and public safety measures. Her activism was marked by bold actions, such as bringing bags of garbage to city commission meetings to highlight inequities in service delivery.
In 1971, she was appointed by Governor Reubin Askew as Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, making her the first woman and the first African American to lead a state agency in Florida. Throughout her life, Range remained dedicated to public service and community improvement, leaving a lasting legacy in Miami-Dade County.
Mary Athalie Range with Florida Governor Reubin Askew. Photo: Florida State Archives
Ms. Range helped improve the quality of life for Black residents in Miami-Dade County
Arva Moore Parks McCabe was a distinguished historian whose contributions were vital in safeguarding Miami's rich history. She played a crucial role in the preservation of significant landmarks, including the iconic Biltmore Hotel. As the president of HistoryMiami, she dedicated her efforts to educating the public about the city's heritage and ensuring that its historical narratives were documented and celebrated. In addition to her work in preservation, Parks McCabe produced several films that highlighted the history of Miami and Coconut Grove, further enriching the community's understanding of its past.
Throughout her career, Parks McCabe was recognized for her commitment to historical preservation and education. She authored numerous publications that explored Miami's history, and her work often emphasized the importance of inclusivity in historical narratives. Her passion for history and dedication to her community made her a respected figure in Miami, inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect their local heritage.
In recognition of her significant contributions to Miami's history and culture, the auditorium at the Miami-Dade Public Library System Main Library in downtown Miami was dedicated as the Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium in commemoration of her lasting impact on the community and her role in preserving the stories that shape Miami's identity.
Parks McCabe was a passionate historian, author, preservationist and civic leader
Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium dedication plaque at the Main Library in downtown Miami
Miami-Dade County Mayor
Daniella Levine Cava was elected Miami-Dade County's first woman mayor in November 2020. She enters the Mayor's Office following a 40-year career as a relentless advocate for South Florida families. As mayor, she oversees a metropolitan government of more than 31,000 employees, serves nearly 3 million residents, and manages an annual budget of approximately $12 billion.
Mayor Levine Cava's administration is focused on building a stronger, more prosperous, more resilient Miami-Dade. She protected lives and livelihoods by deploying a people-focused coronavirus pandemic response. She is prioritizing reforms to keep our county safe and free from gun violence through the Peace and Prosperity Plan, reinvigorating a thriving economy that delivers economic security and welcomes new investment, tackling the housing crisis by protecting tenants and building more affordable housing, preserving our environment, including Biscayne Bay and the Everglades, for generations to come, connecting every corner of Miami-Dade with the efficient and reliable public transit, and directly engaging with residents to make county government more transparent and accountable.
A social worker, lawyer, and community activist, she was first elected in 2014, and re-elected in August 2018, to serve as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner representing District 8. Previously, Levine Cava served vulnerable children, families and immigrants at Legal Services of Greater Miam and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. In 1996, she founded Catalyst Miami to help low- and middle-income families through service, education, and advocacy, which she ran for nearly two decades. With her husband, Dr. Robert Cava, a Miami native and practicing physician, she is proud to have raised two children, Eliza and Edward, in Miami-Dade.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivers her 2024 State of the County address
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava champions literacy and community engagement
Click on an image to learn about just a few of the women who helped shape Miami-Dade
Nicknamed the “Mother of Miami,” Julia Tuttle was a pioneering businesswoman and the only female founder of a major U.S. city. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1848, she first visited southern Florida in 1875 and fell in love with the area. After the death of her husband in 1886, Tuttle moved to Miami in 1891 with her two children, purchasing 640 acres of land on the north side of the Miami River.
Tuttle recognized the potential of Miami as a center of trade and prosperity but understood that the area needed a railroad to thrive. She took it upon herself to persuade Henry Flagler, a wealthy railroad magnate, to extend his Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami. After initially facing rejection, Tuttle's determination paid off when she sent Flagler a bouquet of orange blossoms, demonstrating that the Miami area had been spared from the devastating Great Freeze of 1894-1895 that had destroyed much of Florida's citrus industry. This pivotal moment led Flagler to agree to extend the railroad to Miami, which arrived on April 22, 1896.
Thanks to Tuttle's efforts, Miami was officially incorporated on July 28, 1896. She played a crucial role in the city's early development, establishing its first laundry, bakery, and dairy. Julia Tuttle passed away in 1898, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the course of Miami's history.
View of Miami from the Miami River, circa 1920
Statue of Julia Tuttle located in Bayfront Park
Mary Brickell is another founder of the Miami area and helped to continue the work of Julia Tuttle in growing Miami into the city it is today. Born in England, she moved to Australia with her family before eventually settling in the United States. In 1871, she and her husband, William Barnwell Brickell, established their homestead at the mouth of the Miami River, where they opened a trading post that became a vital hub for the local community, including Native Americans and Black families.
Mary Brickell was not only a businesswoman but also a savvy negotiator. She and her husband acquired over 2,000 acres of land, which they developed into key areas of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. After William's death in 1908, Mary took over the management of their businesses and continued to expand their real estate holdings, significantly contributing to the growth of the region.
Her efforts were instrumental in bringing Henry Flagler's railroad to Miami, as she and Tuttle donated land to facilitate this expansion, which was pivotal for the city's growth. Mary Brickell's legacy is honored in the naming of Brickell Avenue in Miami, reflecting her lasting impact on the area.
Early rendering of future Brickell condos
Brickell skyline, present day
Born in 1870, Lily Lawrence Bow moved to Florida in 1900 with her husband, Richard. They relocated to Cudjoe Key in 1904 and later settled in Homestead, where they lived in a log cabin at the intersection of Second Avenue and Avocado Drive. As a dedicated community advocate, Bow played a significant role in the development of local education and culture.
In 1920, Bow was appointed Chair of the Library Committee for the Women’s Club of Homestead, which soon evolved into a public library. The library gained popularity, and during the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) facilitated the construction of a permanent library building, completed in 1939. Bow became the city’s first librarian, although she was also appointed as a police officer due to the lack of a designated librarian position in the city.
The library underwent various changes over the years, including operation by the Metro-Dade County Library System from 1975 to 1980. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 1996, and currently serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency for the City of Homestead. In addition to her roles in the community, Bow was also a poet and served as editor of the "Pirate’s Gold" column in The Redland District News.
Exterior view of Lily Lawrence Bow Library, 1980s
Library building repurposed as the current Community Redevelopment Agency
Mary Athalie Range was a pioneering civil rights activist and politician, born on November 7, 1915, in Key West, Florida. She moved to Miami as a child and became actively involved in her community after marrying Oscar Lee Range. Following her husband's death in 1960, she took over the family funeral business and began her advocacy work, particularly in education, where she served as president of the Parent Teacher Association at Liberty City Elementary School. Her efforts led to significant improvements in the conditions for Black students in Miami-Dade County.
In 1965, Range made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the Miami City Commission. During her tenure, she fought for equal services for Black neighborhoods, including improved garbage collection and public safety measures. Her activism was marked by bold actions, such as bringing bags of garbage to city commission meetings to highlight inequities in service delivery.
In 1971, she was appointed by Governor Reubin Askew as Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, making her the first woman and the first African American to lead a state agency in Florida. Throughout her life, Range remained dedicated to public service and community improvement, leaving a lasting legacy in Miami-Dade County.
Mary Athalie Range with Florida Governor Reubin Askew. Photo: Florida State Archives
Ms. Range helped improve the quality of life for Black residents in Miami-Dade County
Arva Moore Parks McCabe was a distinguished historian whose contributions were vital in safeguarding Miami's rich history. She played a crucial role in the preservation of significant landmarks, including the iconic Biltmore Hotel. As the president of HistoryMiami, she dedicated her efforts to educating the public about the city's heritage and ensuring that its historical narratives were documented and celebrated. In addition to her work in preservation, Parks McCabe produced several films that highlighted the history of Miami and Coconut Grove, further enriching the community's understanding of its past.
Throughout her career, Parks McCabe was recognized for her commitment to historical preservation and education. She authored numerous publications that explored Miami's history, and her work often emphasized the importance of inclusivity in historical narratives. Her passion for history and dedication to her community made her a respected figure in Miami, inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect their local heritage.
In recognition of her significant contributions to Miami's history and culture, the auditorium at the Miami-Dade Public Library System Main Library in downtown Miami was dedicated as the Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium in commemoration of her lasting impact on the community and her role in preserving the stories that shape Miami's identity.
Parks McCabe was a passionate historian, author, preservationist and civic leader
Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium dedication plaque at the Main Library in downtown Miami
Miami-Dade County Mayor
Daniella Levine Cava was elected Miami-Dade County's first woman mayor in November 2020. She enters the Mayor's Office following a 40-year career as a relentless advocate for South Florida families. As mayor, she oversees a metropolitan government of more than 31,000 employees, serves nearly 3 million residents, and manages an annual budget of approximately $12 billion.
Mayor Levine Cava's administration is focused on building a stronger, more prosperous, more resilient Miami-Dade. She protected lives and livelihoods by deploying a people-focused coronavirus pandemic response. She is prioritizing reforms to keep our county safe and free from gun violence through the Peace and Prosperity Plan, reinvigorating a thriving economy that delivers economic security and welcomes new investment, tackling the housing crisis by protecting tenants and building more affordable housing, preserving our environment, including Biscayne Bay and the Everglades, for generations to come, connecting every corner of Miami-Dade with the efficient and reliable public transit, and directly engaging with residents to make county government more transparent and accountable.
A social worker, lawyer, and community activist, she was first elected in 2014, and re-elected in August 2018, to serve as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner representing District 8. Previously, Levine Cava served vulnerable children, families and immigrants at Legal Services of Greater Miam and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. In 1996, she founded Catalyst Miami to help low- and middle-income families through service, education, and advocacy, which she ran for nearly two decades. With her husband, Dr. Robert Cava, a Miami native and practicing physician, she is proud to have raised two children, Eliza and Edward, in Miami-Dade.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivers her 2024 State of the County address
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava champions literacy and community engagement
Nicknamed the “Mother of Miami,” Julia Tuttle was a pioneering businesswoman and the only female founder of a major U.S. city. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1848, she first visited southern Florida in 1875 and fell in love with the area. After the death of her husband in 1886, Tuttle moved to Miami in 1891 with her two children, purchasing 640 acres of land on the north side of the Miami River.
Tuttle recognized the potential of Miami as a center of trade and prosperity but understood that the area needed a railroad to thrive. She took it upon herself to persuade Henry Flagler, a wealthy railroad magnate, to extend his Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami. After initially facing rejection, Tuttle's determination paid off when she sent Flagler a bouquet of orange blossoms, demonstrating that the Miami area had been spared from the devastating Great Freeze of 1894-1895 that had destroyed much of Florida's citrus industry. This pivotal moment led Flagler to agree to extend the railroad to Miami, which arrived on April 22, 1896.
Thanks to Tuttle's efforts, Miami was officially incorporated on July 28, 1896. She played a crucial role in the city's early development, establishing its first laundry, bakery, and dairy. Julia Tuttle passed away in 1898, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the course of Miami's history.
View of Miami from the Miami River, circa 1920
Statue of Julia Tuttle located in Bayfront Park
Mary Brickell is another founder of the Miami area and helped to continue the work of Julia Tuttle in growing Miami into the city it is today. Born in England, she moved to Australia with her family before eventually settling in the United States. In 1871, she and her husband, William Barnwell Brickell, established their homestead at the mouth of the Miami River, where they opened a trading post that became a vital hub for the local community, including Native Americans and Black families.
Mary Brickell was not only a businesswoman but also a savvy negotiator. She and her husband acquired over 2,000 acres of land, which they developed into key areas of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. After William's death in 1908, Mary took over the management of their businesses and continued to expand their real estate holdings, significantly contributing to the growth of the region.
Her efforts were instrumental in bringing Henry Flagler's railroad to Miami, as she and Tuttle donated land to facilitate this expansion, which was pivotal for the city's growth. Mary Brickell's legacy is honored in the naming of Brickell Avenue in Miami, reflecting her lasting impact on the area.
Early rendering of future Brickell condos
Brickell skyline, present day
Born in 1870, Lily Lawrence Bow moved to Florida in 1900 with her husband, Richard. They relocated to Cudjoe Key in 1904 and later settled in Homestead, where they lived in a log cabin at the intersection of Second Avenue and Avocado Drive. As a dedicated community advocate, Bow played a significant role in the development of local education and culture.
In 1920, Bow was appointed Chair of the Library Committee for the Women’s Club of Homestead, which soon evolved into a public library. The library gained popularity, and during the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) facilitated the construction of a permanent library building, completed in 1939. Bow became the city’s first librarian, although she was also appointed as a police officer due to the lack of a designated librarian position in the city.
The library underwent various changes over the years, including operation by the Metro-Dade County Library System from 1975 to 1980. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 1996, and currently serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency for the City of Homestead. In addition to her roles in the community, Bow was also a poet and served as editor of the "Pirate’s Gold" column in The Redland District News.
Exterior view of Lily Lawrence Bow Library, 1980s
Library building repurposed as the current Community Redevelopment Agency
Mary Athalie Range was a pioneering civil rights activist and politician, born on November 7, 1915, in Key West, Florida. She moved to Miami as a child and became actively involved in her community after marrying Oscar Lee Range. Following her husband's death in 1960, she took over the family funeral business and began her advocacy work, particularly in education, where she served as president of the Parent Teacher Association at Liberty City Elementary School. Her efforts led to significant improvements in the conditions for Black students in Miami-Dade County.
In 1965, Range made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the Miami City Commission. During her tenure, she fought for equal services for Black neighborhoods, including improved garbage collection and public safety measures. Her activism was marked by bold actions, such as bringing bags of garbage to city commission meetings to highlight inequities in service delivery.
In 1971, she was appointed by Governor Reubin Askew as Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, making her the first woman and the first African American to lead a state agency in Florida. Throughout her life, Range remained dedicated to public service and community improvement, leaving a lasting legacy in Miami-Dade County.
Mary Athalie Range with Florida Governor Reubin Askew. Photo: Florida State Archives
Ms. Range helped improve the quality of life for Black residents in Miami-Dade County
Arva Moore Parks McCabe was a distinguished historian whose contributions were vital in safeguarding Miami's rich history. She played a crucial role in the preservation of significant landmarks, including the iconic Biltmore Hotel. As the president of HistoryMiami, she dedicated her efforts to educating the public about the city's heritage and ensuring that its historical narratives were documented and celebrated. In addition to her work in preservation, Parks McCabe produced several films that highlighted the history of Miami and Coconut Grove, further enriching the community's understanding of its past.
Throughout her career, Parks McCabe was recognized for her commitment to historical preservation and education. She authored numerous publications that explored Miami's history, and her work often emphasized the importance of inclusivity in historical narratives. Her passion for history and dedication to her community made her a respected figure in Miami, inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect their local heritage.
In recognition of her significant contributions to Miami's history and culture, the auditorium at the Miami-Dade Public Library System Main Library in downtown Miami was dedicated as the Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium in commemoration of her lasting impact on the community and her role in preserving the stories that shape Miami's identity.
Parks McCabe was a passionate historian, author, preservationist and civic leader
Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium dedication plaque at the Main Library in downtown Miami
Miami-Dade County Mayor
Daniella Levine Cava was elected Miami-Dade County's first woman mayor in November 2020. She enters the Mayor's Office following a 40-year career as a relentless advocate for South Florida families. As mayor, she oversees a metropolitan government of more than 31,000 employees, serves nearly 3 million residents, and manages an annual budget of approximately $12 billion.
Mayor Levine Cava's administration is focused on building a stronger, more prosperous, more resilient Miami-Dade. She protected lives and livelihoods by deploying a people-focused coronavirus pandemic response. She is prioritizing reforms to keep our county safe and free from gun violence through the Peace and Prosperity Plan, reinvigorating a thriving economy that delivers economic security and welcomes new investment, tackling the housing crisis by protecting tenants and building more affordable housing, preserving our environment, including Biscayne Bay and the Everglades, for generations to come, connecting every corner of Miami-Dade with the efficient and reliable public transit, and directly engaging with residents to make county government more transparent and accountable.
A social worker, lawyer, and community activist, she was first elected in 2014, and re-elected in August 2018, to serve as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner representing District 8. Previously, Levine Cava served vulnerable children, families and immigrants at Legal Services of Greater Miam and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. In 1996, she founded Catalyst Miami to help low- and middle-income families through service, education, and advocacy, which she ran for nearly two decades. With her husband, Dr. Robert Cava, a Miami native and practicing physician, she is proud to have raised two children, Eliza and Edward, in Miami-Dade.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivers her 2024 State of the County address
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava champions literacy and community engagement
The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women advances equality, leadership and community engagement by empowering women of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.
The Women’s Park opened in 1992 and was the first park in the nation dedicated to women. It began as the dream of Roxcy O’Neal Bolton, who envisioned a park to honor all women of Miami-Dade County and their contributions to our community.
The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan board created in 1991. The Commission’s mandate is to study and report findings to the Governor, Cabinet and Legislature on issues affecting women.
