For Alumnae
Alumnae Awards
2010: Penelope Perkins Wilson ’41, Philanthropist
An avid and talented artist while at Chatham Hall, Penelope "Penny" Perkins Wilson ’41 attended Bennington College to study art and architecture. She then continued her education by studying art at Moore College of Art and Design and spent a year studying architecture at Harvard University.
As an advocate for and supporter of women, artists, historic preservation, and education, Penny has led an active life. With five daughters of her own, she has championed the cause of women’s education. She is the former Board Chair of the Moore College of Art and Design and holds the title of Chair Emerita of the Board. Penny also has been a long-time member of Bennington’s Board of Trustees and serves on its Building and Grounds Committee.
A love for historic preservation led Penny to purchase the Grand Hotel Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant and restore it to its original 1890 grandeur. This project is credited by many with spearheading the revitalization of Big Timber, Montana. Penny is also a charter member and leader in the development of Historic Sugartown in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In fact, one has only to click on www.historicsugartown.org to see Penny smiling behind the counter of the town’s General Store.
Her dedication to Chatham Hall has spanned decades. She has been a member of Chatham Hall’s Board of Trustees since 1989, and Penny chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Recently, she led the planning effort to renovate Yardley Dining Room and to construct Van Voorhis Lecture Hall. Penny is a firm believer in wedding fine design with practical function. She said in the fall 2005 Chat: "A well-built building is a very nice thing. It makes a statement: ‘Here I am. I'm useful and good looking.’ I've noticed that sometimes a beautiful building isn't well built; getting these two qualities together can be difficult.” Penny understands the nuts and bolts of things and understands the importance of aesthetics.
Penny Wilson has made significant contributions in time, effort, and knowledge in several different communities. Her contributions will be long-lasting and felt over many generations.
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A love for historic preservation led Penny to purchase the Grand Hotel Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant and restore it to its original 1890 grandeur. This project is credited by many with spearheading the revitalization of Big Timber, Montana. Penny is also a charter member and leader in the development of Historic Sugartown in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In fact, one has only to click on www.historicsugartown.org to see Penny smiling behind the counter of the town’s General Store.
Her dedication to Chatham Hall has spanned decades. She has been a member of Chatham Hall’s Board of Trustees since 1989, and Penny chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Recently, she led the planning effort to renovate Yardley Dining Room and to construct Van Voorhis Lecture Hall. Penny is a firm believer in wedding fine design with practical function. She said in the fall 2005 Chat: "A well-built building is a very nice thing. It makes a statement: ‘Here I am. I'm useful and good looking.’ I've noticed that sometimes a beautiful building isn't well built; getting these two qualities together can be difficult.” Penny understands the nuts and bolts of things and understands the importance of aesthetics.
Penny Wilson has made significant contributions in time, effort, and knowledge in several different communities. Her contributions will be long-lasting and felt over many generations.
800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
