The Ticonderoga Historical Society will unveil a traveling exhibit addressing Women’s Suffrage and present a free public program entitled “Women Will Vote” on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at the Hancock House, 6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga, NY.

“This year, we commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” said program presenter Diane O’Connor.  “Passed by Congress on the 4^th of June in 1919, it granted the right to vote to American women, and it had a profound effect not only on the lives of women, but everyone in New York State and across the country.”

O’Connor notes that the women’s suffrage movement began in New York with the 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, and took over 70 years to be adopted by Congress.  Even after the passage of the amendment, ratification and eventual acceptance by the American public would be a long, hard-fought process.

The program will look at often-overlooked consequences of Women’s Suffrage, including internal disagreements that threatened to sideline the movement, the institution of Prohibition, and changes in women’s roles within the workforce.

Also opening the same evening will be “Recognizing Women’s Right to Vote in New York State,” a traveling exhibit developed with grant support from Humanities New York by the South Central Regional Library Council, and made available through the Northern New York Library Network.

Exploring different aspects of the Women’s Suffrage movement in New York, from pre-colonial times until the New York State referendum in 1917 and ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, the exhibit will be at the Hancock House through June.

Reservations are not necessary to attend the free program, but seats may be reserved by calling 518-585-7868 or via e-mail to tihistory@bridgepoint1com.  Refreshments will be served.