THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Mary Peterson Hartzler

May 10, 1931 – January 17, 2025

“The chainees had each contributed the money for their bail if needed and I held the fund for the group. Just being there was life changing for me and I still remember that special day as guiding me on my feminist path.” –  Mary Peterson Hartzler about the “Violating the Fence” White House Action, August 26, 1981

A lifelong champion for equality. Dedicated to advancing civil rights and equal opportunities for women. A planner and participant in the 100 Mile March for the ERA. Part of the chain-gang at the RNC headquarters in Washington DC on August 26th, 1980. Served as a court observer on a project of the Fairfax County Commission for Women to support rape reform in Virginia. Northern Virginia NOW, managed referral service for women looking for feminist lawyers. Served on the board of the Alexandria Jail with a mission to ensure women inmates had the same educational and personal development opportunities as the men. Worked to get legislation to require credit card companies to allow women to get credit cards in their own name. Volunteered with the Northern Virginia Mental Health Hotline. Wrote a column in Choices, the Virginia NOW newsletter. Member of The Hillary Clinton for President campaign Virginia Women’s Steering Committee.