Franklin Historical Society Plans Woman's Suffrage Commemoration

FRANKLIN, WI — A year after the official 100 year anniversary of the ratification of Woman's Suffrage was overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Franklin Historical Society has planned a 19th Amendment Commemorative event.

The Historical Society plans to celebrate the centennial of the Woman Suffrage Movement Saturday at the Franklin Public Library. Those with a knack for early 20th-century clothing may want to take note of the planned presentation.

Members of the Franklin Historical Society will dress up in early 20th-century clothing to give the presentation, "The 19th Amendment in HerStory and Song." Members of the public are also welcome to dress in early 1900's attire.

For men, bow ties, suspenders and hats were all the rage. For women, long skirts, gold, white or purple blouses, large brimmed hats and more were the style of the day.

The event was supposed to take place last year, Marian Luckey, the treasurer for the historical society, told Patch. On account of the pandemic, however, the event has been delayed to this Saturday, she said.

The event marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. It was a long-fought battle by women who have since been dubbed "suffragettes," resulting in one of the single greatest voting enfranchisements in history.

It's not the only celebration of woman's voting rights that's finally catching some attention after the pandemic hampered spirits. In Kenosha, a long-awaited celebration finally took place in recent weeks, Kenosha News reported.

Albeit one year after the official centennial, the event should bring history and celebration of women's right to vote in America.

The event will take place 12 p.m. Saturday at the Franklin Public Library, located at 9151 Loomis Road.

Learn more about the event here.