Women from the Alle-Kiski Valley have made their mark on the world through stardom, smarts and scandal.

From the inventor of Kevlar to the focus of a deadly love triangle that became fodder for a Hollywood movie, famous females brought a spotlight to the Valley.

Third Ward school teacher Julia Hudepohl was born in Tarentum in 1885 and made a name for herself with a run for state office.

The Tarentum High School graduate and staunch Republican was among very few women to enter the political ring in the early 1900s.

“For a woman to do that at that time was unheard of,” local historian Cindy Homburg said. “It’s amazing what they did and to see how some of these ladies were so advanced for that time frame.”

Hudepohl is among several women to be highlighted during a presentation Thursday by Homburg at the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, 224 E Seventh Ave. in Tarentum.

The event from 3 to 6 p.m. is sponsored by the museum, the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce and the Women of Alle-Kiski Engaging (WAKE).

It’s free, but reservations are required.

The presentation is part of the museum’s larger exhibit, “Women Step Up!” that runs through April 9 in honor of Women’s History Month.

Homburg said she’ll focus on some of the remarkable women who have garnered less attention than the likes of Rachel Carson and Nellie Bly who were Valley natives who changed the world.

Carson of Springdale was a marine biologist who influenced the environmental movement; Bly of Apollo was an investigative journalist who worked undercover in a mental institution to reveal practices.

Bob Sauro, museum vice president, said it’s important to showcase the stories of local women and raise awareness of their contributions.

Short biographies will be presented on Stephanie Kwolek, a New Kensington native and inventor of Kevlar bulletproof vest material; Nannie May Lattimer, a doctor from Tarentum who worked as a missionary in China; and Beverly Jane Stillwagon, also from Tarentum, who used a stage name of Linda Ware in her movies with Bing Crosby.

“We’re proud of our women with a connection to the A-K Valley who have made an impact on America,” Sauro said.

Perhaps the most scandalous tale will be the story of model, actress and chorus girl Evelyn Nesbit, born in Tarentum in 1884.

“She made her mark in New York City and was involved in a deadly love triangle between railroad heir Harry K. Thaw and architect Stanford White — which resulted in White’s murder by Thaw in 1906,” Sauro said.

Nesbit’s sordid adventures were made into a 1955 movie, “The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing,” starring Joan Collins.

Nesbit also was a central character in the E.L. Doktorow book and Milos Forman-directed movie “Ragtime.” Elizabeth McGovern received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

“It’s really cool to have photos and other items from Nesbit here,” Sauro said. “We have a lot going on here, and we’re doing more to get people in and learn about local history.”

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