New State Historical Highway Markers Approved in Richmond. “Grace Evelyn Arents 1849-1926,” to be erected in Richmond’s Oregon Hill neighborhood, recalls Arents’ work “as an urban reformer and philanthropist” who  sought “to improve the daily life of individuals regardless of race, gender, or class.” Arents developed a community complex that included a church, school, library, medical clinic, and a house for teachers. She also “established a night school for working children, built public baths and playgrounds, and funded numerous social programs.” The marker states that her “legacy continues in the activities of St. Andrew’s Church, St. Andrew’s School, and the William Byrd Community House in Oregon Hill.” The marker is sponsored by St. Andrew’s School.

Department of Historic Resources (www.dhr.virginia.gov)

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Full Text of Markers:

Grace Evelyn Arents

1849 – 1926
Grace Evelyn Arents worked tirelessly as an urban reformer and philanthropist to  improve the daily life of individuals regardless of race, gender, or class.  She developed a church complex that included St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, St. Andrew’s School, the Grace Arents Free Library, a teachers’ house, and a medical clinic. Arents also established a night school for working children, built public baths and playgrounds, and funded numerous social programs. She supported the formation of the Instructive Visiting Nurse Association.  Herlegacy continues in the activities of St. Andrew’s Church, St. Andrew’s School, and the William Byrd Community House in Oregon Hill.