Women in America first collectively organized in 1848 at the First Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, NY to fight for suffrage (or voting rights). Organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the convention sparked the women’s suffrage movement. Not everyone followed the same path in fighting for women's equal access to the vote, and the history of the suffrage movement is one of disagreements as well as cooperation.
While women were not always united in their goals, and the fight for women’s suffrage was complex and interwoven with issues of civil and political rights for all Americans, the efforts of women like Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul led to the passage of the 19th Amendment. Signed into law on August 26, 1920, the passage of the 19th Amendment was the result of decades of work by tens of thousands across the country who worked for change.
Use this site to discover some of the stories of women and men who fought for women’s suffrage rights. You’ll also find resources for children and adults, including essays on suffrage, storymaps, and lesson plans.
Women's Access to the Vote Across the US
This series of 14 articles gives a comprehensive history of woman suffrage and the 19th Amendment across America.
Explore Suffrage Stories and Connections
Use this crowd-sourced tool to view connections between suffrage activists, explore associated historic sites, and read archival documents.
Suffrage in 60 Seconds
These 1-minute videos highlight suffrage subjects and heroes who made woman suffrage a reality—in 1920 and beyond.
19th Amendment Podcasts
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PodcastThe Magic SashA journey back in time... join Lottie and Isaiah two very modern 5th graders, as they meet heroes of the movement for women’s right to vote.
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PodcastAnd Nothing LessThroughout the fight for women’s right to vote, generations of diverse activists demanded full access to the ballot box. Meet them here.
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PodcastThe AgitatorsSusan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Great allies? Yes. And at times, great adversaries.
Readings, Resources, and More
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The 19th Amendment: A Crash CourseA quick overview of woman's suffrage and the 19th Amendment.
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People20 Suffragists To KnowRead about 20 suffragists and the work they did to get women the ballot
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Symbols of the Women's Suffrage MovementMany symbols were used during the campaign for women's suffrage. Here you will find some of their meanings and uses.
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On Their ShouldersRead radical stories of women's fight for the vote written by a host of subject matter experts. Bet you learn something new!
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The 15th and 19th AmendmentsFind out how the 15th and 19th suffrage Amendments are deeply connected in our history of civil rights in the United States
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Kids ActivitiesExpress your creative side with kids activities relating to women's history and women's suffrage.
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Follow along in real timeThe State-by-State Race to RatificationFollow the race to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. As each state ratifies (or rejects) the amendment, find their stories here.
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19th Amendment By StateExplore the state histories of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and women's right to vote.
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From 1648 through 2016Expanded US Women's Suffrage TimelineAn extended timeline of the fight for women's suffrage in the United States, from Margaret Brent to Belmont-Paul Women's Equality
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Across the USStoryMap: The Ratification of the 19thExplore the ratification of the 19th Amendment throughout the US, from the first state in 1920 to the last state in 1984 (plus 2!)
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Lesson plans for teaching the 19thTeach It!A collection of lesson plans for teachers to engage with the 19th Amendment and Woman Suffrage with their students.
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The Early Suffrage MovementWhen a small group of women gathered in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848, they galvanized a movement for women's suffrage.
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Series: The Suffrage "Prison Special"This series explores the 1919 “Prison Special” Tour. Suffragists traveled the US by train bringing attention to the fight for voting rights.
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ReportCentennial Summary ReportClick here to read "Women's Voices, Women's Votes: NPS 19th Amendment Centennial Commemoration Summary Report"
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Essays: Women's Access to the VoteThis series examines the history of woman suffrage across the United States.
More 19th Amendment Resources!
Showing results 1-10 of 413
- Type: Trip Idea
- Subtype: Kid Friendly,Active,Relaxed,Urban,Educational,Inspirational,Virtual,Indoors,Outdoors,Group Friendly
- Duration: Full Day
- Topics: Archeology, Enslavement, Women's History, Sculpture, Military, Monuments and Memorials, Presidents, Scenic Views, Urban America, Wars and Conflicts, Vietnam War, American Revolution, Arts, Astronomy, African American Heritage, Architecture and Building, Reconstruction, Schools and Education, Social Movements
- Activities: Living History, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Arts and Culture, Guided Tours
Over the past two centuries, women of all different backgrounds contributed to the social, political, and cultural vibrancy of Washington, DC. This Trip Idea explores some of the ways women acted as preservationists, service members, activists, and politicians to shape the history of the capital and the country as a whole.
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Guided Tours
- Duration: 30-120 Minutes
- Reservations: Yes
- Age: 5-99 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Explore the home of Frederick Douglass, a leading voice in the abolitionist movement.
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Places of Interest Related to Frederick Douglass
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Duration: 1-4 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Age: 18-99 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Visitors can explore nearby historical sites and parks in the Washington, D.C. area related to the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, African American History, and Women's History.
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass NHS Bookstore
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Bookstore and Park Store
- Duration: 30-60 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Age: 11-99 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Operated by America's National Parks, the bookstore sells unique educational products and books related to Frederick Douglass and African American History.
- Boston National Historical Park
Judith Winsor Smith
- Type: Person
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park
Considered the oldest active suffragist, Judith Winsor Smith spent seven decades at the center of the Boston suffrage movement.
- Type: Person
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Julia Williams became an anti-slavery activist and educator in Boston. Her husband, Henry Highland Garnet, joined her in this effort.
- Type: Person
Leonora O'Reilly was a union organizer, social reformer, and suffrage advocate.
- Type: Person
A labor organizer and advocate for women’s suffrage, Margaret Hinchey rose to national prominence in the early decades of the 20th century. Her passionate speeches advocated for both economic justice and political equality for women She spoke especially of the need for poor and working-class women to gain access to the electoral system.
- Boston National Historical Park
Mary Livermore
- Type: Person
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park
Mary Livermore dedicated her life to a variety of social causes, including: temperance, Civil War aid, and women's suffrage.
- Boston National Historical Park
Mary Hutcheson Page
- Type: Person
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park
“A born executive,” Mary Hutcheson Page made invaluable contributions to the suffrage movement in Massachusetts and the United States through her dedicated leadership, organizing, and fundraising.
Last updated: February 20, 2024