Oral History Interview with Edwards, Betty Harmon

A newcomer to arts boards when she joined the symphony's board of directors, Betty Harmon Edwards was an experienced board member for other kinds of organizations, and she brought new skills to the symphony board. During her presidency in 1995-97, she undertook a board development process and initiated a strategic planning process. The highlight of her presidency was leadership to make the orchestra's first concert in Carnegie Hall a possibility and a success. The interview was conducted with Betty Harmon Edwards in her Norfolk home for a project on the history of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The interview discusses Betty Edwards' service with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors, her tenure as board president, various board committees, as well as the board and symphony's finances. 0:55:00

A newcomer to arts boards when she joined the symphony's board of directors, Betty Harmon Edwards was an experienced board member for other kinds of organizations, and she brought new skills to the symphony board. During her presidency in 1995-97, she undertook a board development process and initiated a strategic planning process. The highlight of her presidency was leadership to make the orchestra's first concert in Carnegie Hall a possibility and a success. The interview was conducted with Betty Harmon Edwards in her Norfolk home for a project on the history of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The interview discusses Betty Edwards' service with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors, her tenure as board president, various board committees, as well as the board and symphony's finances.

Photograph of Betty Harmon Edwards taken during oral history interview for the Virginia Symphony Archives project.

Photograph of Jean Major and Betty Harmon Edwards taken during oral history interview for the Virginia Symphony Archives project.