Wisconsin will begin its observance of the ratification of the 19th Amendment 100 years to the day the state passed it.
A public centennial celebration kick-off will begin at noon June 10, 2019, hosted by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the women of the 104th Legislature. The event at the State Capitol will include the unveiling of Wisconsin’s original 19th Amendment document, a speaker program, and a public reception. The event is free to attend.
Another part of the observance is a new website that is launched by Governor Evers and First Lady Kathy, who is the chair of the Committee to Celebrate the Centennial of Wisconsin’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment. WomenVoteWI.wi.gov will share resources about events and programs related to the celebration that are set to take place across the state.
“Now more than ever, it’s important that we celebrate and elevate women and their contributions to our communities and our state while also acknowledging the important work we still have yet to do for equity, equality, and the inclusion of women across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “I know this committee will serve as an important effort to educate folks and celebrate women’s suffrage and the 19th Amendment in Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin was one of the first states to pass the 19th Amendment after it passed Congress. It became part of the U.S. Constitution in August of 1920 after Tennessee passed it.