Catawba County News

The Suffrage Centennial Begins

Published: March 11, 2020

As the library marks the centennial of women’s suffrage in the United States, it’s honoring the milestone by sharing the rich history of past efforts to secure the right to vote, and it’s exploring concepts of equal rights, fairness, and democracy.

In mid-March, a variety of programs will begin to tell the fascinating story and invite the community’s participation in the six-month-long celebration.

Children will get an early start as they come together to learn about the concept of women’s suffrage. First, we’ll read a book together as background, and then, we’ll talk about the information it shares and discuss what’s involved in a suffrage movement and why it was necessary for women to unite for the cause. The program takes place at 5:30 pm on Monday, March 16 at the Main Library in Newton.

To prepare for the historical reenactments of suffragist marches later in the year, the library is hosting a craft session for participants to make their own period sashes. The replicas will honor the iconic Votes for Women sashes worn by early suffragettes and will give attendees a sense of what it was like to join together in solidarity and demonstrate unity of purpose. The program takes place at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, March 17 at the Maiden Branch Library. All materials will be provided.

In place of a standard storytime session, the library is inviting children and parents to a special edition that will celebrate women’s right to vote. With its suffrage theme, the program will feature songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories chosen to prepare preschoolers to learn. All of these elements will have a focused, child-friendly approach to communicate the topic in ways that youngsters will enjoy. The program takes place at 10 am on Friday, March 20 at the Conover Branch Library.

Finally, in March, the library will host a second craft day – this time to create replica picket signs that will also be used in the historical reenactments. Designs will be based on vintage photos that we’ll have on display, and the activity is sure to kindle an appreciation for our Constitutional protections and the people who have made them possible for us. The program takes place at 11 am on Saturday, March 21 at the Main Library in Newton.

For more information about upcoming suffrage events, please check the library’s website and schedule of activities at https://catawbacountync.gov/county-services/library/suffrage-centennial/.

* This project is supported by a grant from the United Arts Council of Catawba County.