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Date: 5/11/2021
FLORENCE – A roving exhibit about the fight for ratification of the women’s suffrage 19th Amendment, better known as “She Shapes History,” has been on display in seven Florence Center storefronts on Main and Maple streets.
Panels have been set up for viewing in business windows during daylight hours from April 3 until mid-May.
The exhibit was presented by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of the Northampton Area.
According to Margaret Riddle, secretary for the League of Women Voters (LWV), the exhibit is on loan by the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield – place of origination.
The LWV of the Northampton Area brought the exhibit to Florence in collaboration with the Florence Civic and Business Association, JFK Middle School, the David Ruggles Center and businesses and organizations like the Trustees of Reservations.
Riddle said, “Well-researched informational panels celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution through which women won the right to vote. They tell the stories of unsung heroes, including local suffragists Elizabeth Freeman (Mumbet) and Sojourner Truth.”
She added, “Also included are the foot soldiers including those from African American women’s suffrage clubs, immigrant women, Native American women, factory workers and labor union organizers. It covers the struggle and the impact of activist women over two centuries up to the Woman’s March of 2016.”
Each panel is presented with text and images to carry on the legacy of all the forgotten heroes, said the LWV.
LWV’s mission is to “finish the fight,” through promoting access to the vote for all. This mission was formed by the LWV shortly after the passing of the 19th Amendment and is still active today.
Riddle claimed the idea for an exhibit was presented to the LWV in 2019. Once they were able to secure the loan of the exhibit, they knew a location in Florence was best due to the historical connections to influential suffragists' truth.
In the midst of a pandemic, all proper safety and health precautions were carefully considered and put into place. The LWV decided an outdoor exhibit that people can view from the sidewalks, while socially distanced was the best option.
Riddle said, “Store owners in Florence have said they have noticed the foot traffic, and people have told us individually that they have seen the show and enjoyed it.”
For Riddle, the overall success or goals with the creation of this event are “To have people learn about the many suffragists who worked with dedication over 80 years to win the right to vote for American women. They are extraordinary, and they never gave up, although for many of them, they never were able to vote in their lifetimes, and they knew that would be the case yet they kept working for the right to vote. It shows how precious and important voting is in our democracy.”
She went on to say, “The best part of LWV is that it is non-partisan – we never endorse political parties or candidates, although, as individuals we can, of course ... The League is very effective in being active citizens.”
To learn more about the League, join, or participate in activities, visit their website at lwvnorthamptonarea.org.