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Commemorating 100 years of women's suffrage with new exhibit

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Mon, Sep 16th 2019 02:50 pm

The Buffalo History Museum honors 100 years since the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment with a new exhibit, “Emblem of Equality: Woman Suffrage in Western New York.”

The exhibit explores suffrage prior to 1885, the growth of the movement, World War I and its effects on suffrage, and “The Buffalo Six” – the Western New York women who were imprisoned for picketing the White House.

“Emblem of Equality” features stories from local artist Evelyn Rumsey Cary’s suffrage poster to several sashes worn in rallies and parades that chronicle the struggle for equality at the ballot box. Perspectives of both suffragettes and anti-suffragettes provide insight. The exhibit was curated by local historian Susan Eck and the museum’s director of exhibits and interpretive planning, Tony Greco.

“Through the collaborative work of Susan Eck and Tony Greco, incorporating signature pieces from the museum’s collection, ‘Emblem of Equality’ embodies how the national struggle for women’s suffrage was undertaken by individuals and groups locally in Western New York,” said Melissa Brown, executive director of The Buffalo History Museum.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “The women’s rights movement started in New York in 1848 with hundreds of women and men who stood together to affect change. Though it has been 100 years since the 19th Amendment passed Congress, we still have more work to do. We have accomplished a lot in our fight for women’s equality, but we continue to stand up and speak out to ensure full equality – equal pay, access to affordable high-quality child care, and so much more. This new exhibit at The Buffalo History Museum highlights the history of the movement and the brave women – including individuals from Western New York – who fought for our rights. We must continue to rise up and make sure the torch that was passed on to us by the early suffragettes burns even brighter for the next generation.”

A members opening will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, and feature Hochul, chairwoman of the New York State Women’s Suffrage Commission. The evening will begin with opening remarks at 6:45 p.m. from Brown, Hochul and Eck. The evening includes tours and special guest Elizabeth Cady Stanton (as re-enacted by Dr. Melinda Grube).

“Emblem of Equality: Woman Suffrage” in Western New York will be located in the museum’s State Court and opens to the public on “M&T Third Friday,” Sept. 20. For more information, call the 716-873-9644 or visit www.buffalohistory.org.

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