A portrait painter and member of the Peconic Bay Impressionists, Virginia Wood Goddard painted the portraits of many influential people during the early part of the 20th century. 

Born in Washington, D.C., she studied with William Merritt Chase and in Europe.  Her brother Waddy Wood was one of the leading architects and designers in the nation.  Goddard often participated in exhibitions at the Caroline M. Bell studio in Mattituck, Long Island.