March is Women’s History Month, and Hernando County is recognizing several local women who have made significant contributions to the community, state, and nation. Natalie Kahler and the GFWC Historic Brooksville Woman’s Club provided information on these women, including May Mann Jennings, Adeline Burnside Chelf, Annie Joe Law, and Anna Svrcek Cimbora.
May Mann Jennings, a native of New Jersey, moved to Crystal River, Florida, with her family at the age of two. She was active in civic affairs and assisted her father in his political campaigns. Jennings married William Sherman Jennings, a Hernando County judge, in 1891. She fought for environmental conservation, child welfare, and women’s suffrage as president of the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs. Jennings co-founded the Florida State League of Women Voters and was the founder of the Florida State Historical Society. She received numerous honors, including being named a Great Floridian and induction into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.
Adeline Burnside Chelf was the first and longest-serving president of the GFWC Historic Brooksville Woman’s Club, serving from 1910 to 1917. Under her leadership, the club started the first library, fundraised for school improvements, and provided hot meals for rural schools. Other notable women include Annie Joe Law and Anna Svrcek Cimbora, who also made significant contributions to the community.
These women are being recognized during Women’s History Month for their tireless efforts in making Hernando County and Florida a better place. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to future generations of women.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
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