The Kentucky Museum will be CLOSED on November 27 to 30 for Thanksgiving and from December 7 through January 14 for Winter Break.

Want to get announcements on new exhibits and events at the Kentucky Museum? Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Journey to the Vote

Journey to the vote

copy of 15th amendment

Ida B. Wells

15th Amendment

The year 2020 marks anniversaries for two Constitutional Amendments. February 3^rd, 2020 will mark the 150^th anniversary of the 15^th Amendment granting African American men the right to vote. August 18, 2020 will be the 100^th anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th Amendment recognizing women’s right to vote.

In recognition of these anniversaries, several WKU departments and community organizations are working together to offer a variety of programs.

We will highlight various aspects of race, gender and citizenship as we look at the “Journey to the Vote” and participation in American political life through a series of speakers, panels, events, and exhibits. Topics are wide-ranging and include the passage of the 15^th Amendment, and the 19^th Amendment, as well as the continued disenfranchisement of men and women of color after both Amendments’ ratification.

2019

March 2019

March 28- Free Book Giveaway* of The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss at Warren County Public Library's Main Branch. Books will be given on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. For more information, visit Warren County Public Library.

March 29- Free Book Giveaway* of The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss at Warren County Public Library's Bob Kirby Branch. Books will be given on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. For more information, visit Warren County Public Library.

April 2019

April 11 6-7PM Warren County Public Library's Book Discussion featuring The Woman's Hour, by Elaine Weiss. Discussion led by Holly Hedden. Location: Main Library. For more information, contact hollyh@warrenpl.org or visit Warren County Public Library.

April 30 7PM Elaine Weiss author of The Woman's Hour. Free public presentation. Swipeable for WKU students. Program made possible by Boyd Lubker Foundation and WKU Sisterhood. Location: Downing Student Union auditorium.

June 2019

June 4th 2PM Journey to the Vote Kick-Off. Join us, Mayor Wilkerson and the BG City Council for a proclamation signing, remarks, light refreshments and an overview of upcoming programming. June 4th marks the100^th anniversary of 19^th Amendment's passage by Congress. Thirty-six states would have to ratify the amendment before it would become law. Location: Kentucky Room, KY Museum. More information.

September 2019

September 16 3:15-4:15PM "Suffrage for All"- Dr. Saundra Ardrey and Tyneshia Carter. Join us for a lively discussion of universal suffrage. Why have so many - poor white men, Black men, women and young people all fought for the right to vote? Has it made a difference? Swipeable for students. Location: KY Museum.

September 24 5-6PM "Put a Woman in Charge" - panel discussion featuring current and former local and state female office holders. Panelists include: Dana Beasley Brown, Melinda Hill, Patti Minter, Patsy Sloan and Elaine Walker. Swipeable for students. Location: KY Museum.

November 2019

November 14 6:30-7:30PM "Suffrage for All"- Dr. Saundra Ardrey and Tyneshia Carter. Join us for a lively discussion of universal suffrage. Why have so many - poor white men, Black men, women and young people all fought for the right to vote? Has it made a difference. Sponsored by the Warren County Public Library. Location: Parker Bennett Community Center.

2020

February 2020

February 8 Herstory, a free afternoon of activities for girls in grades 1-8 and their families. Elements include a costume contest, autograph parties with local women, and WKU departments with hands-on activities. Location: KY Building. Time: 12PM-4PM. For more information, visit Herstory@WKU event website.

February 27 4PM Gender Images Film Series--Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice. Presented by Dr. Dorothea Browder, History. Film documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of the pioneering African American journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. Location: Cherry Hall 125.

March 2020

Dr. Saundra Ardrey will lead a Washington, DC, Selma, and Montgomery, AL "Suffrage Trail" based Study Away trip. If you interested, please reach out now to Dr. Ardrey at Saundra.Ardrey@wku.edu. Tentative itinerary.

Canceled. March 25 5:30PM Gender Images Film Serie s--On the Basis of Sex. Presented by Dr. Victoria Gordon, Political Science. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a struggling attorney and new mother who faces adversity and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights. When Ruth takes on a groundbreaking tax case with her husband, attorney Martin Ginsburg, she knows it could change the direction of her career and the way the courts view gender discrimination.Location: Cherry Hall 125

April 2020

April 21 6PM. "Moving Beyond Susan & Elizabeth: The Complicated History of Woman Suffrage in Ky." Join us for a presentation by University of Kentucky professor Dr. Melaine Goan. Dr. Goan will discuss the history of suffrage and the 80 years of setbacks & victories - including those that exacerbated racism & discrimination. Swipeable for WKU students. This presentation is sponsored by the Department of Library Special Collections and Wells Fargo. Location: Western Room, KY Building.

April 23 5PM Gender Images Film Series--Iron Jaw Angles. Presented by Dr. Patti Minter, History and State Representative. Fiery American suffragette Alice Paul lights a fire under the older women's leaders in Washington DC. President Wilson refuses to give all women the vote, but Paul is prepared to go to prison for her cause. Location: Warren County Public Library Main Branch.

July 2020

July 1 The Department of Library Special Collections will open their exhibit Also Ran. Location: Jackson Gallery of the KY Building. This exhibit runs through December 15, 2020.

August 2020

Lida Obenchain banner. The Museum, Library Special Collections, and Political Science sponsored a Lida Obenchain Kentucky suffragist banner in Frankfort, KY. Sponsorship made possible by grant from Wells Fargo.

August 26 Women's Equailty Day. Join us for a celebration! POSTPONED DUE TO COVID UNTIL 2021. Time: TBD Location: Kentucky Museum.

September 2020

Seat at the Table: Kentucky Women in Office opened at the KY Museum. Poster exhibit featuring 11 women. Location: KY Museum.

Kentucky Women Rising. This exhibit features artifacts and memorabilia related to women's experiences in the political life of the state: the passage of the 19th Amendment, running for office and more. Location: KY Museum.

Flickr Album

October 2020

The Journey to the Vote series of programs and exhibits was honored with the History Programming Award from the Kentucky Historical Society. KHS Press Release.

2021

August 2021

August 26 12-1PM Join the Journey to the Vote partners in recognition of Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the passage of the 19^th Amendment. Women’s Equality Day is a time to reflect upon the gains made in the past, and the work still left to be done.

Two exciting exhibits, Kentucky Women Rising and Seat at the Table: Kentucky Women in Office explore how Kentucky women have been active in Kentucky politics for over 200 years. More information.