Palm Coast, FL – AAUW Flagler welcomes Kimble Medley, one of its own and a local author, to celebrate Women’s History Month 2022, Saturday, March 12th, 10:30 am, at Cypress Knoll Golf Club. Ms. Medley is a graduate of Daytona State College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2013, Ms. Medley became the first Flagler County student to represent AAUW Flagler at the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), an annual event held at the University of Maryland. This opportunity prompted Ms. Medley to join the branch to give back to the organization’s mission of empowering women and girls of Flagler County.
While conducting research for the branch’s celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Ms. Medley learned of Alice Scott Abbott, Flagler County’s suffragist. Ms. Medley spearheaded efforts to have Alice Scott Abbott added to the National Votes for Women Trail and the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. She also worked toward recognizing Ms. Abbott’s final resting place with a commemorative marker by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. In addition to bringing national attention to Flagler County’s Woman Suffrage history, Ms. Medley joined other branch members to present a revised version of the skit, “Women Won the Vote: How Did That Happen,” first brought to life by long-serving member Muriel Levy.
In addition to Alice Scott Abbott, Ms. Medley’s research led to the discovery of more than 200 Flagler County women, including over 50 African American women, who registered to vote for the November 1920 General Election. She has compiled this information and published her first book, Suffrage, Women & Untold Stories. Ms. Medley will discuss her journey and share photos that offer a glimpse of Woman Suffrage in our county.
Her research continues where the book ends, with the locating of the long-forgotten 1916 Seventh Day Adventist Church in which Alice Scott Abbott was the Music Director. This has resulted in a joint venture with AAUW Flagler and the Flagler County Historical Society. The church will be purchased, relocated, restored, and reimagined as the Florida Women’s Voting Rights Museum. Progress has been made, but there is much more to do to Move That Church. Just imagine the money that could be raised if all women registered to vote in Flagler Country contributed just $5 or $10. Donations for this project may be made online through the Flagler County Historical Society’s website: Donate to the Church Restoration Fund.
The General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast, FL 32164. Lunch is available for $15.00 per person cash or check and $16 per person for Credit Card. For reservations and menu options, please contact Sally Smeaton by email: AAUWFlagler1984@gmail.com by March 10, 2022. Cash or Check is preferred. You may also pay in advance by using our secure payment system through the link located on the Side Bar on our website.
