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Ocean’s Heritage, Spring/Summer 2019
Message from the Museum President
About Time
The Susan B. Anthony Amendment was first introduced to Congress in 1878. It failed to pass. And for decades, it continued to fail until finally, in June 1919, support for women’s suffrage won the day. Exactly 100 years ago, Congress sent the proposed 19th Amendment to the states for ratification. Fourteen months later, in August 1920, a woman’s right to vote became the law of the land. About time! Discrimination against women extended beyond the ballot box. Through much of the 19th century, women gave up their
legal status when they married. They surrendered their property. With some exceptions, they could not vote, sign contracts, or sue. Widows could not be legal guardians of their under-age children. The contributions of women, for the most part, were omitted from the history books. Women’s work during World War I helped demonstrated that women were just as patriotic and deserving of full citizenship as men. And the militant demonstrations and campaigns of the suffragists called the question. Under escalating pressure from proponents, President Wilson urged Congressional support for the 19th Amendment.
As the country gears up to celebrate the centennial of the 19th amendment, we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the courageous and trailblazing women who fought for more seven decades to end discrimination. Our exhibit, “Votes for Women: The Story of Suffrage,” opening in the Richmond Gallery, July 28, honors the struggle for the vote—with particular attention to New Jersey’s unique suffrage history. Other historical groups around the state are gearing up for their own events and exhibits. Stay connected: discovernjhistory.org/njwomenvote2020
Results of the Heart of Gold fund-raiser
Tea and Tour June 13 • July 11 • August 8 • September 12 • October 10
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Brenda Wityk
By the Numbers
T
he Museum is open for visitors from 7 to 9 every Thursday night, March through November. and through October we are offering “Tea and Tour,” one Thursday night each month. Our docents will be there, as always, offering free guided tours of the Museum exhibits. And for a small fee (just $5.00), visitors will be served homemade dessert and tea. You’ll need a reservation. Call the Museum at: 732-531-2136.
Ocean’s Heritage is published three times a year by the Twp.of Ocean Historical Museum Museum President, Paul Edelson Newsletter Editor, Peggy Dellinger
t was Vice President Brenda Wityk’s brainchild several years ago to first partner with Earth Treasures on a fund-raiser for the Museum. This year’s “Heart of Gold,” held at the Woolley House on March 27, yielded the Museum over $2,000. “It is the least laborintensive event we host,” Brenda admitted. “We are so grateful to the members and friends who cashed in their unwanted jewelry and to Earth Treasure for donating 15% of its profits to us.”
Suffrage
15
States that had granted full women’s suffrage before the passage of the 19th Amendment.
36
States required to ratify the 19th Amendment. It came down to one member of the Tennessee Assembly (Harry Burn) who, an expected “nay,” voted “aye” on the advice of his mother, August 18, 1920.
4
Constitutional amendments ratified during Wilson’s two-term presidency (16th-income tax, 17th-direct election of senate, 18th-Prohibition, 19th-women’s suffrage).
65
Percent of eligible women voters (those who met requirements whether or not they registered) who did not cast ballots in the 1920 Presidential election, the first after passage of the 19th Amendment. Includes the large percent of women (the “antis”) who opposed suffrage.
>60
Years it took for 12 hold-out states to ratify the 19th amendment; the last Mississippi, in 1984.
