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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2019
Votes for Women: New Jersey and Beyond
Suffrage exhibit opens in Richmond Gallery
The new exhibit explores the history of suffrage, with particular focus on New Jersey. It guides guests through the first (19th century) and second (20th century) waves of the movement, culminating with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. It introduces the arguments of the “antis,” the forces, male and female, who vehemently opposed votes for women. And, having set the stage, it highlights the stories of six suffragists: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Ida B. Wells, Carrie Chapman Catt, and New Jersey’s own Alice Paul.
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he new exhibit, “Votes for Women: New Jersey and Beyond,” opened with a private wine and cheese reception, Friday, July 26. About 70 guests, including political leaders and local historians, joined Museum members and filled the Richmond Gallery to overflowing. Some vowed to return for the public opening two days later for a chance to get a better, more leisurely look. Ours is among many exhibits and events planned to celebrate the upcoming centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment. And it’s a good place to start for a comprehensive, yet accessible, survey of the struggle.
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“It’s an exhibit I wish everyone in Monmouth County could see,” Museum president Paul Edelson said. “Especially women.” To that end, we’ve reached out to women’s organizations in the area, inviting them to hold a meeting in the Museum and include time for a tour. We extend the offer to you. Please let us know if you would like to arrange a private showing for your book club or group. (Women and men are welcome.) Contact the Museum at 732-531-2136. “Votes for Women” will be up through July 2020.
We will miss Heather MacDonald
ord came late September 12 that Heather MacDonald, who had been re-hospitalized for treatment of a persistent liver malfunction, had died. She was just 40 years old. Heather joined the Museum soon after our move to the Woolley House, and in the years since, had shared her talents with hundreds of visitors. She enriched our events with her pure voice, acting skill, and passion for living history. Heather started with Phoebe, wife of Heather as Mabel Fenton third
Thomas Woolley, builder of the oldest part of the Woolley House. She researched her story, made her costume, and brought Pheobe to life—often while demonstrating the spinning wheel or singing 18th century tunes. Elizabeth Woolley (Eden’s wife), Lucretia Garfield (the President’s widow), and Mabel Fenton followed. We suspect Mabel—vaudeville superstar, Ocean Township speakeasy owner, and biggerthan-life character—was her favorite. Heather headed our Living History program and mentored dozens of young volunteers in the craft. She was the gifted and youthful face of the Museum at Archives Day, the NJ History Fair, and more. She made us look good. We will miss her.
Museum Shop Open December 7 and 8 (Holiday Weekend)
Handmade gifts
Elegant and fun doll outfits Lap quilts and baby quilts Table runners and place mats Knitted hats and scarves
Shop local. Support the Museum.
