Claudine Curry Smith

About the Author

Claudine Curry Smith is a celebrated author and historian whose work illuminates the untold stories of women in American history, particularly in the American South. Drawing from extensive research and personal family archives, she brings to life the resilience and expertise of midwives who served rural communities for generations. In her acclaimed book 'My Bag Was Always Packed: The Life and Times of a Virginia Midwife,' Smith chronicles the extraordinary journey of her grandmother, a pioneering midwife in early 20th-century Virginia, blending memoir, oral history, and cultural analysis to honor the vital role these women played in preserving life and tradition. A native of Virginia, Smith holds degrees in history and folklore, and her writing has been featured in regional journals and historical societies. Through her evocative narratives, she bridges the past and present, inspiring readers to appreciate the hidden heroines of everyday history.