Fluvanna Historical Society Honors Bertha Armstrong for Women's History Month

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re grateful to the Fluvanna County Historical Society for recognizing the life and legacy of Bertha Armstrong, a longtime pillar of MACAA and Community Action. Read their full Facebook post below.

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Fluvanna Historical Society

March 30, 2026

On this 30th day of Women’s History Month, meet Bertha Mae Kelley Armstrong – a tireless advocate for those in need whose calm, effective leadership of MACAA in Fluvanna County and committed social work spanned more than five decades. She has spent a life in service to her community and county.

Born in 1943, Bertha Armstrong was raised on Hardware Road in Fluvanna County. She attended Dunbar Rosenwald School during segregation and graduated from S. C. Abrams High School as salutatorian.

In 1968, she began working with Community Action, which became MACAA, and ultimately led the organization’s work in Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson counties. As director, she managed the MACAA thrift store and the food pantry, which was supported by the Fluvanna Christian Service Society. She served as community outreach and programming director as well. Her steady demeanor and compassion comforted those in need of support; her wisdom and experience made her an invaluable leader and ally.

Bertha Armstrong served on the Fluvanna County School Board for sixteen years; she has served on the boards of Meals on Wheels, the Fluvanna Christian Service Society and the NAACP. Since her retirement she has worked to ensure the preservation of Union Baptist Church and its historic cemetery.

Pictured here with her trademark beautiful smile, and as “May Queen” at Dunbar School.

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👉 View the original post from the Fluvanna County Historical Society on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D728it7fa/

👉 Discover more about the Fluvanna Historical Society and their work: https://fluvannahistory.org/