Series: Votes for Women

Hardly the end of the struggle for diverse women’s equality, the Nineteenth Amendment became a crucial step, but only a step, in the continuing quest for more representative democracy.

Congress passed the 19th Amendment prohibiting discrimination based on one’s sex on June 4, 1919 but in order for the amendment to become law three-quarters of the states (36) had to approve the bill. One more state was needed.

The important issues debated on the National Stage were heatedly discussed on the local level. Ridgefield suffragists worked tirelessly to convince those in power to “vote for women” and pass the 19th amendment despite “Anti” suffrage sentiments.

Like many other states, CT was divided on the issue of woman suffrage, but CT suffragists were committed to the cause holding town meetings, rallies, demonstrations, parades, and other events to garner support for the vote.

Differences in approach within the women’s suffrage movement, and the political opposition.

The women’s suffrage movement had roots that were contemporaneous with the abolition movement; in fact, early suffragists after the 1840s chose to delay work on their cause in favor of the abolition of slavery.

Highlighting the principal leaders of the American women’s suffrage movement.

Votes for Women: The Road to Victory is a beautifully rendered, eleven-panel exhibit that seamlessly blends original artwork with a visually stimulating overview of Women’s Suffrage history in celebration of the centennial of the 19th Amendment.