On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th amendment was signed and sealed by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby, prohibiting both states and the federal government from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.
Lauren Santangelo, lecturer in Princeton University's Writing Program and author of "Suffrage and the City: New York Women Battle for the Ballot," will talk about her book, along with Sara Howard, librarian for gender and sexuality studies and student engagement, and Julie Mellby, graphic arts curator.
As one critic wrote, "'Suffrage and the City' is one more jewel in the crown of informative writing on the suffrage movement. Santangelo offers fresh and interesting perspectives in her focus on urban spaces, covering oft-tread ground with a bright new analysis. Her book sets a high standard for future scholars who focus on women’s rights, organizations, and activism, and it reminds us how fascinating the topics remain.”
Throughout the conversation the speakers will be playing the 1908 suffragette board game Pank-A-Squith! Printed as a fundraiser for the Women’s Social and Political Union in Britain, Pank-a-Squith was named after the suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and Herbert Asquith, British Prime Minister from 1908 to 1916 and a strong opponent of women’s suffrage. While the game is British, the focus of our talk will be the American anniversary and resources available in the Princeton University Library.