On August 18, 1920, the United States ratified the Nineteenth Amendment granting most women in the United States the right to vote. That November 2, thousands of women stepped up to the polls and voted for the first time, turning out in higher numbers than some of their male counterparts. The right to vote was achieved after an almost seven-decades long fight. One-hundred years later, we are here to commemorate their fight and these legendary ladies with a party!
We’re proud to say that the Circle City played a key role in the long march to women’s suffrage. The city has a long track record of young women advocating for their rights, whether it’s the young IPS teacher who rallies the city’s first African American suffrage club in the parlor of Madam Walker’s home, the pioneering doctor who visits local club meetings to drum up support, or even an activist who took her brand new car all over the state to host rallies.
As with all things in 2020, plans for how to celebrate this monumental event have changed. Just as our smart and cunning Hoosier heroines did over a hundred years ago, we are adapting to new technology. Instead of meeting in a woman’s parlor to ‘spill the tea,’ we will be meeting over Zoom to drink some ‘equali-tea.’ And we want you to join us, online and in your backyard!
From Saturday, August 29 to Friday September 4, we hope you’ll join us to celebrate the diverse voices that helped us gain the right to vote. We’re teaming up with the Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, Indiana State Museum, Indiana Humanities, and the Eiteljorg Museum to host a variety of events, performances, tours, conversations, workshops, porch parties, and more. Most will be taking place over Zoom, or streamed live over social media. There are even a few in-person events, when we could provide a safe, socially-distanced experiences. This includes free admission on Saturday, August 29 to the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana Historical Society, and Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites across the state. For a full listing and to register for these events visit our website.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until the 29th to celebrate. You can download activities and resources, make your own sashes, or rock out to the Sounds of Suffrage Spotify playlist and even add your own Girls Rock anthems. Beyonce is blasting through the computer speaker as we type. Beth plans to add some Ani DiFranco and Dolly Parton. What would you add?
We hope you will join us to be inspired through all the events as we celebrate this momentous occasion. Let’s all lift a glass (of our favorite local bevy) in a toast to the women of Indy who came before us. Our leaders, our inspiration, our cheerleaders- the ones who lead us to who we are today.
