Women's History Consortium
Women's Votes, Women's Voices
Washington Women's Suffrage Centennial Exhibit
October 30, 2010—May 7, 2011
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

Washington State celebrates its centennial of permanent women's suffrage in 2009-2010.
This exhibit highlights the history of the struggle to attain women's right to vote
in Washington State and illuminates how women's voting influenced territorial and
state history as well. It tells the story of how women from various ethnic and economic
groups have achieved a voice in public life, despite barriers through organizing
and activism. Suffrage was a springboard to women's achievements throughout Washington's
history that extended into the present. Highlighted in this exhibit are the ways
in which women organizing for change have made a difference in Washington.
The exhibit is co-curated by the
Washington State Historical Society
and the
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. A smaller traveling exhibit based upon the larger
exhibit is also available. Visit the Historical Society's
traveling exhibits webpage
to find out more.
Featured in the Exhibit:
Highlights of the exhibit include:
- Susan B. Anthony's glasses and clothing
- Authentic materials from the 1909-1910 suffrage campaign
- Archival documents from all periods of the suffrage movement in Washington
- Artifacts from the national campaign from the Sewall-Belmont House collections in Washington, D. C.
Specially developed curriculum materials for the suffrage centennial are available
online.
Publication:
“Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices: The Campaign for Equal Rights in Washington
is a new book by Shanna Stevenson that tells the story of how Washington women got
the vote 100 years ago and how they have continued the struggle for equal rights
to the present day. This profusely illustrated volume also features vignettes of
Washington women who have made a difference. Published by the Washington State Historical
Society, the book retails for $24.95 and is available
online through the Society's website and in bookstores.