A new exhibition, ‘Women doing everything, everywhere, all at once…’ will open on International Women’s Day at Verulamium Museum, St Albans.

Opening on March 8, the exhibition's focus is on the female archaeologists who played a key role in uncovering the Roman town of Verulamium in the 1930s, along with four Roman and Iron Age women with links to the town.

Lexi Diggins, guest curator, said: "As a female archaeologist, I want to highlight the extraordinary contributions made by women over the millennia.

"Women were overlooked and their achievements diminished in the past, and it still happens now.

"Through this exhibition, I’ve tried to shine a light on some interesting and significant females, from the Roman period right up to today.

Herts Advertiser: Helen Carlton Smith

"I hope it inspires girls and young women to want to be our archaeologists of the future."

The exhibition emphasises the role of female archaeologists in excavating the town of Verulamium.

Among them was Tessa Wheeler who introduced a new method for lifting mosaics and oversaw the excavation and its budget.

She also promoted equality within her team, where women composed the half, and responsibilities were distributed equally among the male and female members.

Another figure was Kathleen Kenyon, the first female president of the Oxford University Archaeological Society, who led the dig of the Roman Theatre in 1934.

Herts Advertiser: Excavation of the Roman Theatre

Another highlight includes the diary of a young girl, named Helen Carlton-Smith, who assisted on the dig and referred to as 'Helen of Troy’ by the excavation team.

Catherine Newley, audience development manager at St Albans Museums, said: "We are delighted to work with Lexi on this inspiring project to bring the story of Verulamium to life through significant female figures over the centuries for all to enjoy."

Councillor Lynn Cunningham, vice-chair of the Public Realm committee of St Albans City and District Council and lead councillor for museums, said the exhibition gives people a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work undertaken to uncover the historic items.

She added: “I am incredibly grateful to the museum team for bringing this educational and engaging exhibition to the city which will attract visitors from far and wide and ensures the incredible story of Verulamium endures.”

The exhibition runs from March 8 to July 4.

For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/4b98tas4.