Regardless of race, time, place or economic background, women traditionally have held private roles in society. They were responsible for maintaining the household, raising families, educating children and caring for the sick and elderly. Over time, women's roles have expanded beyond the household and family to include work outside the home and to have a greater polictical and economic influence on society.

Photographs, objects and personal stories reveal the joys, sorrows, obstacles and victories of North Carolina women. A closer look at the lives of women from the Albemarle region is enhanced through photographs and objects from the Museum of the Albemarle collections.