VIRGINIA CELEBRATES SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL Exhibits and events across Virginia commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement By Michelle Donato
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Virginia Museum of History & Culture
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his year is the start of a new decade, and as such, this year contains milestones on national levels. On August 18, 1920, America rejoiced as the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, was ratified. This summer is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the women’s suffrage movement, where brave women used their voices to gain traction in advocating for women’s rights. This year, many locations in Virginia are celebrating this anniversary with exhibits and events to commemorate both the fight and the victory of women earning the right to vote. In August, Occoquan Regional Park in Fairfax County will host an exhibit at the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial honoring American suffragists, with a special focus on those imprisoned at Occoquan. These suffragists endured harsh conditions and abuse to win voting rights for American women. The memorial will honor these brave women and provide awareness and education about how their courage, methods and commitment led to the passing of the 19th Amendment. The Lucy Burns Museum in Lorton focuses on commemorating the party’s efforts in obtaining women’s right to vote. The museum tells the story of the suffragists who were arrested for courageously picketing the White House in 1917. The museum also aims to engage visitors in the history of the Lorton Correctional Facilities that operated from 1910-2001, founded by President Roosevelt during the era of progressive reform but was later repurposed for a growing arts center.