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.