Civic Participant


Helen was active in several civic organizations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women’s organizations became a method by which women could use their abilities and gain skills to impact the world beyond their domestic sphere. In these publicly recognized and approved groups, women were able to pursue their interests and push their influence while still working within excepted roles.

Colonial Dames

An intense interest in history and genealogy led Helen to become an active member of the Maryland Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America. After joining the group in 1894 (just three years after its founding), she served on the board for over a decade beginning in 1898. She regularly hosted meetings, presented lectures and programs, and organized special events.

 
yellowish paper with light writing
Letter to Helen Ridgley, c. 1898 (HAMP 6977)

NPS




Helen Ridgely held several positions of leadership in civic organizations. This letter from the Secretery of the Maryland Society of the Colonial Dames of America informs Helen Ridgely of her election: “It is my pleasing duty to inform you of your election today as a member of the Board of Managers & to give you notice of a meeting of the Board…”

 
yellowish paper with light writing
Lecture card, 1895-1896 (HAMP 14960)

NPS




Helen Ridgley regularly gave lectures reflecting her historical interests as part of programs held by the Colonial Dames of America.

 
yellowish paper with light writing
Art Exhibit Program, 1902 (HAMP 14960)

NPS




Helen lent the important and very large portrait of Eliza Ridgely “Lady with a Harp” by Thomas Sully to the Colonial Dames art exhibition in 1902.












Jamestown Exposition 1907


Helen’s leadership with the Maryland Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America, her work as an author and historian, and her social standing as mistress ofHampton led her to be appointed to the Jamestown Exposition Auxiliary Commission. She took on a leadership role within the organization as Chairman and was responsible for the exhibits and furnishings in the Maryland Pavilion. At the opening of the Exposition in April 1907, she was further acknowledged at “the state’s official hostess.”

 
yellowish paper with blue writing and large seal in left corner
Certificate, 1906 (HAMP 16809)

NPS




Appointment of Helen S. Ridgely to the Maryland Jamestown Exposition Commission, signed by Govenor Edwin Warfield. The Jamestown Exposition commemorated the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the American Colonies.

 
orange paper with black writing and drawing of native american
Booklet from Jamestown Exposition, 1907 (HAMP 12497)

NPS




“Jamestown Exposition” published by MacJones Company in 1907, a guide to the fair’s numerous buildings, exhibits, and activities. Many of the depictions and ideals of associated with this event reflect the historical prospective of the time and are no longer considered culturally appropriate, nor acurate. About 3,000,000 attended the exposition before it closed in December of that year.

 
red cover of book with yellowish papers and black and white photographs of three women
Book, The Report of the Maryland Commission of the Jamestown Tercentennial, 1908 (HAMP 7594)

NPS

The Report of the Maryland Commission of the Jamestown Tercentennial published by Williams & Wilkins Company features an image of Helen along with other members of the Auxillary Commission. Helen Ridgely served as a chief officer on the auxillary commission (i.e., ladies’ board), managing tasks that contributed to the success of the event.

Politics

 
yellowish paper and envelope with light writing
Invitation to Helen and John Ridgely, 1906 (HAMP 16612)

NPS




Helen and John Ridgely were well aquainted with the Roosevelts, receiving this invitation from President and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt to attend a White House Reception on January 3, 1907. The Ridgelys had clearly made a most favorable impression on Edith Roosevelt during her visit to Hampton a month earlier. Later that year, Helen made a return visit for tea with the First Lady.

 
black and white photo of woman
Photographic print of negative showing Helen at Hampton, c.1895 (HAMP 6658)

NPS




Helen’s modern opinions did not, however, extend as far as suffrage for women. In February 1906, Baltimore was the site of the first Woman’s Suffrage Convention. She recorded that she and John were invited to an evening reception to meet Susan B. Anthony and Julia Ward Howe, “the octogenarian promoters of the emancipation of women, but we declined.” (Ridgely, 1906) She continued, “…I did not feel any desire to say that I had been in the crowd that had shaken them by the hand & had passed none the better for the ceremony….I have been reading the papers with much interest & it amuses me to find that all the useful branches of woman’s work, seem temporarily merged in the question of woman’s suffrage.” (Ridgely, 1906)

Last updated: July 25, 2021

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

535 Hampton Lane
Towson, MD 21286

Phone:

410-962-4290 (option 2)

Contact Us