WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM HOLDS LEAD ACTIVITY FOR CELEBRATING WASHINGTON’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE
FREE Opening Celebration Feb. 28 in Tacoma
TACOMA – Feb. 3 – Less than 100 years ago, women weren’t allowed to vote, but
were required to pay taxes and abide by laws their male counterparts voted into place.
Women from all economic and ethnic groups banded together to persuade the men of Washington
to give them the right to vote.
Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices, on display Feb. 28
through Sept. 27 at the Washington State History Museum, explores how women in Washington
state campaigned for women’s suffrage.
Additionally, learn how women’s voting influenced territorial and state history,
such as prohibition laws. Women’s right to vote was revoked and reinstated several times
at the end of the 19th century. After a brief stint of women voting in the 1890s closed
several bars and brothels in Washington, many men felt women voters were a threat to their
establishments.
Through more than 200 artifacts, interactive kiosks and oral histories, learn
how women from various ethnic and economic groups achieved a voice in public life. The
exhibit will also bring to light how women have made a difference in Washington, namely
with our female governor and women senators.
This is the state’s lead activity celebrating the centennial celebration
of women obtaining the right to vote in Washington. The year-long celebration begins Feb.
28 with a FREE, public opening at the History Museum.
Among the artifacts on display are famed suffragette Susan B. Anthony’s dress,
cloak, glasses, inkwell, diary, and a rare copy of the Declaration of Sentiments, the
original manifest of women’s rights, historic photos, ephemera, and artifacts from the
Washington State Historical Society and numerous other Washington state organizations will
also be on display.
Following its seven-month display at the History Museum, the exhibition
will travel to:
Wenatchee -Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, Oct. 24 through Jan. 10, 2010
Yakima -Yakima Valley Museum, Feb. 11 through June 20, 2010
Seattle -Museum of History & Industry, July 17 through Oct. 3, 2010
Spokane -Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Oct 30, 2010 through Jun 26, 2011
Opening Reception FREE and Open to the Public Feb. 28
Join the celebration as we kick-off the centennial celebration of women’s suffrage
with the opening of Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. Enter the Museum
and transport back in time to a suffrage rally; join a women’s march, put on your women’s
suffrage pin, and interact with costumed greeters and special guests. Enjoy performances
from Living Voices, “Hear My Voice: Win the Vote,” and Linda Allen. Light refreshments will
be served.
Schedule for exhibit opening celebration:
11 a.m. – Welcome, introductions, and recognition of featured guests
11:30 – Exhibit doors open, music on the Mezzanine
11:30 – 1 p.m. – Kids activity
NOON – Refreshments served
1 p.m. – Women’s March through the Museum to the Auditorium, ending in the Auditorium for Living Voices “Hear my Voice: Win the Vote” performance
2 p.m. – Songs by Linda Allen
Exhibit organized by the
Washington Women’s History Consortium under the auspices of
the Washington State History Museum,
and the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
in Spokane. Supported by the Frances C. Heidner Fund of
The Greater Tacoma Community
Foundation, Clear Channel Outdoor,
Washington State Grange and the
Pierce County
Central Labor Council.
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High resolution photos are available on our
online image gallery, or upon request from Kimberly Adams, public relations coordinator.
About the
Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical Society, is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The Washington State History Museum presents exhibits, programs and events that bring Washington's history to life. The Washington State Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history since 1891.
HOURS - Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended hours and FREE admission every third Thursday from 2 - 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ADMISSION - $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60
and above; $6 for students and military with valid ID; children, age 5 and below, and members are always
FREE.
CONTACT – 1-888-BE THERE, www.WashingtonHistory.org
Media Contact:
Kimberly Adams
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877