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About Time
About Time
Message from the Museum President
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The Susan B. Anthony Amendment was first introduced to Congress in 1878. It failed to pass. And for decades, it continued to fail until finally, in June 1919, support for women’s suffrage won the day. Exactly 100 years ago, Congress sent the proposed 19th Amendment to the states for ratification. Fourteen months later, in August 1920, a woman’s right to vote became the law of the land.
About time!
Discrimination against women extended beyond the ballot box. Through much of the 19th century, women gave up their legal status when they married. They surrendered their property. With some exceptions, they could not vote, sign contracts, or sue. Widows could not be legal guardians of their under-age children. The contributions of women, for the most part, were omitted from the history books.
Women’s work during World War I helped demonstrated that women were just as patriotic and deserving of full citizenship as men. And the militant demonstrations and campaigns of the suffragists called the question. Under escalating pressure from proponents, President Wilson urged Congressional support for the 19th Amendment.
As the country gears up to celebrate the centennial of the 19th amendment, we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the courageous and trailblazing women who fought for more seven decades to end discrimination.
Our exhibit, “Votes for Women: The Story of Suffrage,” opening in the Richmond Gallery, July 28, honors the struggle for the vote—with particular attention to New Jersey’s unique suffrage history. Other historical groups around the state are gearing up for their own events and exhibits. Stay connected:
discovernjhistory.org/njwomenvote2020
