National Archives Launches Nationwide Initiative in Celebration of Women's Suffrage

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 10, 2019 the National Archives will launch an 18-month nationwide initiative, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote. The initiative brings the story of Women's Suffrage to life through:

• An exhibit in Washington, D.C.
• Public programming across the country
• A National traveling exhibit
• Educational resources
• The digitization of suffrage-related records

The Washington, D.C. exhibit illuminates courageous women who raised their voices and features the original 19th Amendment that granted millions of women the right to vote.

"The story of American women seeking full citizenship rights remains relevant a century later," said Chair Emerita of the National Archives Foundation A'Lelia Bundles. "This exhibit highlights well known suffrage documents that are unique to the Archives, while also introducing the less famous, but equally fascinating, historical people and moments that make the struggle for equality and democracy come alive."

The National Archives launched the national traveling exhibit, One Half of the People, in April 2019, and is also digitizing each state's 19th Amendment ratification document as part of the initiative. The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives, is working with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

"Secretaries of State are thrilled to be participating in this meaningful centennial initiative," said Jim Condos, NASS President and Vermont Secretary of State. "Our members have worked with the National Archives, their own state libraries and archives, and others in their respective communities to commemorate the significance of the women's suffrage movement. States have interesting and unique stories to tell about their road to suffrage and we are excited to share and continue to learn from these stories."

"Almost 100 years ago, the 19th Amendment became law, prohibiting states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex," said Deputy Archivist of the United States, Debra Steidel Wall. "We are proud to commemorate this important anniversary at the National Archives through the Rightfully Hers exhibit and through many activities and programs scheduled over the next 18 months. This cornerstone exhibit uses our records to illustrate the dynamic involvement of American women across the spectrum of race, ethnicity, and class to reveal what it really took to win the vote for one half of the people."

For full release, visit: http://bit.ly/ArchivesRightfullyHers 

CONTACT: Mattie Gainer, 202.357.5056, [email protected]

SOURCE Foundation for the National Archives

Related Links

www.archivesfoundation.org