Monthly Archives: March 2014

March 31, 2014 · 9:13 pm

For the suffrage centennial, a variety of Montana activists share the spotlight

The Montana suffrage centennial activists are taking every opportunity to blow their bugles to announce some of the fabulous Montana women who put their lives on the line for equality and freedom. You can subscribe to the postings and be introduced to some of these individuals. Ella Knowles, known as the “Portia of the People,” is featured, and what she faced as an attorney is an eyeopener. When she started out as an attorney, she couldn’t take the bar exam because Montana law prevented women from doing so. She pressed the point and won. About fifty women were licensed to practice law by 1890 across the nation. The Montana suffrage web site has Ella’s life and accomplishments summarized, in addition to considerably more information. Follow Montana. It’s determined to get out the word in its suffrage centennial subscription series, “Women’s History Matters.” The Montana Historical Society is a driving force in the 2014 suffrage centennial and the impact is being noticed. During Women’s History Month, for example, these stories of Montana women are been diverse and fascinating.

A few examples during March that views the state’s women’s in the context of an ongoing social revolution: “Nannie Alderson: Pioneer Ranchwoman”(March 4); “Feminism Personified: Judy Smith and the Women’s Movement” (March 6); “Julia Ereaux Schultz, Health Advocate and Cultural Champion” (March 11); “Elizabeth Clare Prophet, the Church Universal and Triumphant, and the Creation of Utopia in Montana’s Paradise Valley” (March 13); “Behind Every Man: Nancy Cooper Russell” (March 18); “Legalized Midwifery: Montana Leads the Way” (March 20); “Men Were My Friends, but Women Were My Cause”: The Career and Feminism of Frances Edge” (March 25); “A ‘Compassionate Heart’ and ‘Keen Mind’: The Life of Doctor Caroline McGill” (March 27).

Follow SuffrageCentennials.com for news, views and updates.

Comments Off on For the suffrage centennial, a variety of Montana activists share the spotlight

Filed under Blog

Tagged as , , ,

March 21, 2014 · 1:55 pm

A handy kit to celebrate Women’s History Month from the National Women’s History Project

Perplexed about how to celebrate Women’s History Month in March? The National Women’s History Project has items galore to decorate, educate, and lay the bases for having fun. It’s not necessary for it to be your suffrage centennial year. When Women’s History Month or week or day or whatever comes around, take advantage of it for a party or tea reception or fundraiser. The National Women’s History Project has kits; items can be purchased separately, such as the 2014 Gazette ($10 for 25 copies), plus balloons and pencils and books and games, and so on.

Comments Off on A handy kit to celebrate Women’s History Month from the National Women’s History Project

Filed under Blog

Tagged as , ,

March 14, 2014 · 3:56 pm

2014 is centennial of suffragist Caroline Severance’s death: Women’s History Month special!

Caroline Severance’s name isn’t among the list of those remembered as suffrage pioneers, but this photo shows Caroline second to the right with Susan B. Anthony in Los Angeles in 1905, along with Charlotte Wills and Rebecca Spring. The image suggests that Severance traveled in high-powered circles. Caroline grew up in the heart of what’s considered today as the “Cradle” of the women’s rights movement in the U.S. or the Finger Lakes region. Caroline Severance’s life and work are summarized in detail and featured in the “History of American Women” blog where we’re reminded that after moving to California her activist work there earned Caroline the distinction of being a key player in the movement for equality. Attention to suffrage history is increasing as the 2020 national suffrage centennial approaches. Here’s the link to the article about Caroline’s life. Read it and reflect on Caroline and scores of others like her who devoted their lives to freedom. PDF.

Attention to suffrage centennials doesn’t exist in isolation. Be on the cutting edge of those who are rocking the ‘Cradle” of the U.S. women’s rights movement. Visit LetsRockTheCradle.com

Comments Off on 2014 is centennial of suffragist Caroline Severance’s death: Women’s History Month special!

Filed under Blog

Tagged as , , ,

March 9, 2014 · 3:52 pm

1912-1914: Action in a new suffragette novel from the UK

There’s considerable spinoff from suffrage centennials, including a rash of new creative energy related to the suffrage movement subject matter. One example is books, whether self published or from mainstream publishing houses. The years 1912 to 1914 are addressed in a self-published novel from the UK, Suffragette Autumn Women’s Spring by Ian Porter. This story begins aboard the Titanic as it’s sinking, an important scene which protagonist Ruby later realizes is the genesis of her evolving into a suffrage activist. Ruby and Nashey are left traumatised and horrified – not just by the disaster of the Titanic’s journey itself, but by the failures of the ship’s officers. Readers then travel with the main characters to New York, and on to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The novel finally unfolds in suffragette London, 1912-1914. The militant struggle for Votes for Women becomes a stage for action. Ruby becomes involved in Mrs Pankhurst’s WSPU where she’s imprisoned and involved in a hunger strike. Through the five p’s – publicity stunts, protests, political speeches, prison torture and police tactics – the novel highlights the lengths to which the women and the government pressed the issue. The main character questions the direction of the movement and out of this suffragette autumn emerges a women’s spring.

Follow suffragecentennials.com for how suffrage history is being celebrated.

Comments Off on 1912-1914: Action in a new suffragette novel from the UK

Filed under Events

Tagged as , ,

March 1, 2014 · 5:11 am

Suffrage centennial celebrations depend on Women’s History Month observances

If you’re interested in suffrage centennials, whether for sport, pleasure, for educational purposes, a suffrage centennial gets its juice and its momentum from special observances of women’s history. The date may be different in countries around the world, but the ritual and significance is enhanced by becoming aware of Women’s History Month or other observances such as International Women’s Day. The deeper and rich significance of these celebrations is particularly meaningful when there’s a message of struggle and freedom won by women. It’s all too common for centennial celebrations to be no more than a flash in the pan in a world overrun with images and messages. Don’t lose heart. There are increasingly more events and celebrations. The internet has many resources, including an excellent resource from the Library of Congress with a teacher’s guide, primary documents, and images. This link has valuable course outlines actually used in college and university programs. Dust off your teapot and invite people over for a special tea party with home-baked goodies. Don’t let Women’s History Month (March) or International Women’s Day (March 8) pass without some special recognition!

 

 

Comments Off on Suffrage centennial celebrations depend on Women’s History Month observances

Filed under Blog

Tagged as , , ,