First, a little back ground. I often give talks to civic organizations, community organizations and garden clubs about the Northern Neck Audubon Chapter. I provide a brief history of the National Audubon Society (NAS) before talking about our chapter. I knew that a Boston matron had a role in starting the conservation movement that led to the formation of the NAS.

However, I did not know her name. I have even logged on to the NAS homepage on the internet to try to determine the lady's name, 'no luck.' They don't even mention the lady at all. My grandchildren know of my interest in birds, so when Will Teeples came across a book in his Richmond school library, he knew he had to show grandpa. On his last visit he brought a children's book titled "She's Wearing a Dead Bird on her Head!". The book describes the fashions of the day when women wore birds or bird feathers on their hats. The story is about Harriet Hemenway of Boston and her friend Minna Hall and their efforts in resisting the fashions of the day and raising the conscience of the public over the slaughter of birds in the name of fashion. They were successful and their achievement encouraged in subtle ways the movement for women's right to vote.

Efforts to protect birds led to the formation of local chapters named after Audubon. The Boston chapter was not the first to form; it was, however, the first to endure and have impact. The chapters bonded together to form the NAS in 1905.

Harriet Hemenway lived from 1858-1960. Minna Hall lived from 1859-1951.  The book, "She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head!" is written by Kathryn Lasky and was published by Hyperion ISBN 0-7868-1164-1. It is still in print and a paperback copy will set you all of $6.00 at The Book Nook.   I recommend it for the next generation of birders - 'our grandchildren.'

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