Milwaukee – One hundred years from the date Wisconsin became the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, local women who serve in elected office will join civic organizations and the public in a centennial commemoration. The celebration of “100 Years of Votes for Women: Wisconsin leading the Way to the 19th Amendment” will be hosted by the Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 N. Old World Third Street, on Monday, June 10, from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, The American Constitution Society-Milwaukee Chapter, and the Milwaukee County Historical Society.The event includes a brief recounting of the women’s suffrage movement by Genevieve McBride, Ph.D., UW-Milwaukee Professor of History Emerita.
The same year the 19th Amendment was signed into law, the League of Women Voters was established as a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that neither supports nor opposes candidates or political parties, but advocates for informed and active citizen participation in government.
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The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy, but does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. The national League of Women Voters was formed in 1920 after the ratification of the 19th Amendment ensuring women the right to vote. Its mission was to educate women on voting matters and to encourage them to exercise their newly won franchise. While the League of Women Voters retains its name to honor its founders, today’s League includes men as members and its mission is to make democracy work for all.
