Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs launches 19th Amendment centennial celebration

Programs honoring people, places and issues behind women’s suffrage includes Charles City event

To The Press

American women started voting nationwide after the 19th Amendment was ratified in August 1920.

A hundred years later, the State Historical Society of Iowa is commemorating that milestone – and the Iowans who marched toward it – with a series of monthly programs and events through August, including an event in Charles City in June.

“The ratification of the 19th Amendment was one of the most significant equal rights issues that women all across the country faced 100 years ago, including women right here in Iowa,” said Susan Kloewer, administrator of the State Historical Society of Iowa.

“Over the next seven months, we will present a series of programs that explore the people, places and issues behind Women’s Suffrage. I ask all Iowans to join us as we honor that period of our time in the history of our state and nation.”

The National 19th Amendment Society, the Charles City organization that owns and operates the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Girlhood Home and Museum near Charles City, and that is dedicated to Chapman Catt’s memory and influence, has also planned additional events throughout the centennial year, including one that is part of the state program.

State programs are:

• Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m. at the State Historical Museum of Iowa — Screening of award-winning suffrage film “Iron Jawed Angels.”

• Tuesday, March 10, noon-1 p.m. at the State Historical Museum of Iowa — Lunch & Learn: Life and Legacy of Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, featuring Karen Kedrowski from the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University.

• Thursday, April 23, 5:30-7 p.m. at Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines — History on the Rocks: Women of Woodland Cemetery Tour, for age 18 and over, register in advance by April 3.

• Saturday, May 30, 1:30 p.m. at the State Historical Museum of Iowa — “Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women” documentary screening and panel, courtesy of Iowa PBS.

• Saturday, June 27, 10:30 a.m. in Charles City — Tour of Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Girlhood Home and Museum; register in advance by June 22.

• Tuesday, July 7, noon-1 p.m. at the State Historical Museum of Iowa — Lunch & Learn: Toward a Universal Suffrage, featuring Eric Morse, Central Iowa Community Museum; and Kristen Corey, Office on the Status of Women.

• Saturday, Aug. 22, 1-3 p.m. at the Iowa State Capitol — Women’s suffrage event for families.

Registration links are included with this story at www.charlescitypress.com.

Additionally, the “Toward a Universal Suffrage: African-American Women in Iowa and the Vote for All” traveling exhibition will be on display at the State Historical Museum of Iowa during June and July.

The State Historical Museum of Iowa is overseen by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. More information is available at iowaculture.gov or 515-281-5111.