VOTES FOR WOMEN: 100 Years, 1920-2020 & GOING STRONG!
The Centennial Commemoration
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 11am-Noon
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Sponsored by League of Women Voters Richmond Metro Area and Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, kicks-off a special Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of women voting. “Votes for Women: 100 Years, 1920-2020 & Going Strong” will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 11 a.m. - Noon, at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard. This event is free and open to the public, with masks and social distancing required. Free parking is available in VMHC lot, accessed from Kensington Avenue or Sheppard Street.
Final certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took place 100 years ago on August 26, 1920 and at long last granted women of America the right to vote.
Joining the Governor to highlight the accomplishments of Virginia women will be Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Dr. Sandra Treadway, Librarian of Virginia and Jamie Bosket, President and CEO of Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
Lynn McMartin, President of LWV-Richmond Metro Area and Mary Crutchfield, LWV-VA State Board 2nd Vice President, will speak about the history and important work done by the League of Women Voters. The LWV was founded soon after the 19th amendment was passed. The LWV's purpose was to ensure that newly enfranchised women would research the issues and vote wisely. Their purpose remains the same today: to educate and encourage citizens to vote and advocate for better policies. The LWV continues to work towards an election process that is safe, secure and accessible. More information can be found at www.lwv-rva.org or www.lwv-va.org .
Women's suffrage capped a more than 70-year struggle to gain the vote. The victory was not total as women of color and the men in their families were not fully enfranchised until passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, organized by black women at Howard University in 1913, will be represented by Doris Bey.
At noon, church bells in the area will ring in tribute to the hard work of our female ancestors. Supplies will be available for guests to decorate their vehicles as they embark on a Self-Guided Driving Tour of sites in Richmond that are closely connected to the struggle for the vote. Illustrated maps will be available.
Adele Clark, Nora Houston, Lila Meade Valentine and Maggie Lena Walker are among the Virginia women remembered for their dogged pursuit of justice for half the nation's citizens. Historical interpreters from the suffrage era will add authenticity. The masks they wear, along with all attendees, will remind guests of the Pandemic a century ago.
Members of the League of Women Voters of the Richmond Metro Area are grateful to the event co-sponsor, Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Guests should allow time to visit the VMHC exhibit, "Agents of Change: Female Activism in Virginia from Women’s Suffrage to Today." Artifacts include a necklace with the likeness of Susan B. Anthony that was owned by Flora Crater, a leader for women's equality in Virginia. The back of the necklace is inscribed with a quote by Anthony, "Educate all Women to Rebel." Find out more at www.virginiahistory.org
The Driving Tour includes the Valentine Museum located at 1015 E. Clay Street. For information on free exhibits, “Ain’t Misbehavin’: 1920s Richmond” and “#Ballot Battle: Richmond’s Social Struggle for Suffrage” visit www.thevalentine.org. Another important visit is to the Library of Virginia’s exhibit, "We Demand: Women’s Suffrage in Virginia." The Library is located at 800 East Broad Street. Details on hours and parking are found at www.lva.virginia.gov.
The celebration will be held indoors at the VMHC in the event of inclement weather.