Following Chapman Catt

Summer intern ‘wouldn’t be in politics’ without women’s pioneer

By Amie Johansen

amie@charlescitypress.com

Emily Schwickerath is this summer’s intern at the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Girlhood Home. This spring her aunt, who receives the 19th Amendment Society’s newsletter, noticed a call for interns at the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt House. Schwickerath applied.

As political science major at Simpson College, Schwickerath recalls learning about Chapman Catt in her ‘Women in Politics’ class.

“She is a huge figure,” Schwickerath said of Chapman Catt. “I wouldn’t be able to have a role in politics if she and other suffragists hadn’t stepped up in her day.”

Although from New Hampton, Schwickerath was not familiar with the Chapman Catt Girlhood Home.

“I hadn’t really heard of it until my aunt told me it’s out here,” she said. Despite never having visited the girlhood home, Schwickerath is still inspired by all Chapman Catt began.

“She’s kind of the reason I can vote…(and) I can study politics,” she said.

Yesterday was Schwickerath’s first day. To kick off the internship, she gave her first tour.

Throughout the summer, she will have plenty of opportunities to hone her guiding skills. Besides giving the casual tour, Schwickerath will also be responsible to help guide large bus tours of the Chapman Catt Girlhood Home property. She is also preparing for children’s day camps which will run in August.

It is also hoped to add a youth program similar to the National Parks “Junior Ranger” program, Schwickerath said. According to Schwickerath, she is working with Silos and Smokestacks to create activities that would allow children to earn a badge or title relating to the Chapman Catt home.

Throughout the duration of the summer, Schwickerath will be found in and around the Chapman Catt home.