(1.6) On Monday Rhode Islanders will celebrate the 100th anniversary of our ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. It states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea will mark the occasion with an event scheduled in the gorgeous State Library with plans to announce a year of civic programming. (ProJo 1.4.20)
In commemoration of women’s suffrage, Gorbea will announce programs and activities to be offered throughout the state this year to increase civic literacy and engagement. Those include new resources for educators and a new partnership with the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities.
The Journal article includes the front page of their paper the day after passage, as well as a great slideshow of old photographs.
Seen here is the bronze bust of abolitionist and suffragette, Elizabeth Buffum Chace, known as “The Conscience of Rhode Island,” dedicated in 2001. This was the first time in the history of the State House that an image of a woman was being displayed within the building. Again . . . 2001.
Below is a stretch of the timeline from the ‘Count Me In’ exhibit at the State Archives on Westminster Street, noting that Buffum Chace first submitted a petition for women’s suffrage to the Rhode Island legislature in 1867! So that only took 53 years. Plus ça change . . .
Buffum Chace died in 1899 at the age of 93 and is buried in Swan Point Cemetery.
Anniversary event, 10am, Monday, January 6, State House Library, 82 Smith Street, (directions)
