Scouts

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment became an official part of the US Constitution. The amendment made it possible for women to vote because it prohibited states and the federal government from denying access to the ballot box based on sex. While the amendment did not guarantee the vote for women, is was an important milestone in women’s equality. Explore the stories of a few important women connected to three National Park sites in northeast Ohio.

Unlike other regions of the country where it is possible to see clear patterns in the woman suffrage story, such as the West with its early successes or the South where racism impeded the expansion of voting rights, the Midwest has no single dominant narrative of the woman suffrage campaign.

On June 16, 1919, Ohio voted in favor of the Nineteenth Amendment. By August of 1920, 36 states (including Ohio) approved the proposal and it became law. The proposal, now the 19th Amendment, made women’s suffrage legal all across the country.

Many symbols were used during the campaign for woman suffrage. Here you will find some of the meanings and uses behind colors, animals, flowers, and other symbols that suffragists and anti-suffragists employed.

As the nation continues to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the US Constitution on August 26, 2020, the National Park Service invites everyone to look beyond the 19th Amendment by exploring its complex history and continuing legacy throughout American history. Find ways 19 ways (plus one to make 20 for 2020!) to participate in the national celebration.

All stories begin with people and every person has a story. Practice being a historian by recording an "oral history". Call a friend or relative and ask them questions to learn about the past.

Hunter founded the esteemed Phillis Wheatley Association of Cleveland in 1911. This began as a “Black YWCA” providing safe housing, job training, and recreation for young Black women arriving from the South. Over her long career, she became a nationally known advocate for civil rights.

At the Harriet Keeler Memorial in Brecksville Reservation, the bronze plaque reads: “Teacher – Author – Citizen: She liveth in the continuing generation of the woods she loved.” Following her death in 1921, mourners worked together to preserve over 300 acres of parkland in her honor. It remains a remarkable testament to a remarkable life. Even today, public monuments to a professional woman are rare. Keeler was a Cleveland educator, botanist, author, suffragist.

What exactly does it mean to be a first lady? While there may not be any official responsibilities, there are plenty of expectations. Visit us at First Ladies National Historic Site and explore this question and more.

Activity: Design your own 19th Amendment Ratification Star.