Suffrage Centennial
The Suffrage Centennial Committee is looking for 100 Events to Celebrate 100 Years of Suffrage. This effort aims to educate the citizens of the Commonwealth, tourists, and guests about the history of the Suffrage Movement, including the personalities, situations, and causes leading up to the passing of the 19th Amendment until 1925. Using a multitude of mediums, these events will in no manner limit the participation due to socio-economic level, race, gender, orientation, nationality, or any other discrimination. These events will take place from January, 2019 through August 26, 2020, with a preference for 2019 dates to reduce conflicts with the 400th Anniversary of Plimoth Plantation in 2020.
Though originally a Massachusetts initiative, we realize that there are many historical sites, art museums, historic houses and more that might want to be involved in celebrating women’s right to vote throughout New England, so all are welcome to participate.
Participation in the Suffrage Centennial is an opportunity to celebrate women’s right to vote, to gain exposure for your museum and to take a fresh look at your institution’s own history and collections through this interesting time period. There are no required formats for your events or activities, but to be selected as one of the 100 officially promoted events, it needs to focus on the early history of suffrage, up until 1925. For example, the Clark Art Institute will present an exhibit of Harper’s Weekly covers, MCLA will be developing several books about fashion reform and suffrage printed on paper they make themselves and Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House will host a re-enactment of a “parlor” to discuss suffrage during a tea. The sky is the limit, as long as it fits within the historic realm.
Should your museum want to plan for the anniversary, but aren’t sure exactly how, the Suffrage Centennial Committee is assembling a list of possible speakers, re-enactors, and lecturers for venues to schedule. If you as an individual or as an institutional representative would like to be included on this list, please email colleen@susanbanthonybirthplace.org . Marketing for the Suffrage Centennial is projected to include media visibility, collaborations with state departments of education, and tourist-focused advertising.
For more information, please contact Colleen Janz at colleen@susanbanthonybirthplace.org or 413-743-7121.