Virtual Women's Suffrage Centennial Celebration

We can’t get together in large numbers now, but the Wisconsin Historical Society and 19th Amendment Centennial Committee are sponsoring a way to collectively celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote: At noon on Aug. 26, ring bells to commemorate the important milestone. There is a symbolic reason for that. When Bainbridge Colby, the secretary of state, announced on Aug. 26, 1920, that the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution had passed, giving women the right to vote, suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt asked that whistles and bells be sounded at noon. On that day, and following days, people rang bells and whistles at noon in celebration. Really want to get into the mood? Wear white, purple and gold: the colors worn by American suffragists during parades and marches. Take a photo and post to Facebook or Instagram and tag @WisconsinHistoricalSociety. Hashtags to use: #WomensVote100; #WIVotesforWomen; #BIGHistoryIsHappening.

press release:Virtual Women's Suffrage Centennial Celebration

Ring Bells at Noon CST to celebrate the milestone of 100 years of women’s right to vote.

On Aug. 26, when Secretary of State Colby announced the successful passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Carrie Chapman Catt asked that whistles and bells be sounded at noon. On Aug. 26, and the days that followed, cities across the United States celebrated by ringing bells and whistles at noon.

Wear White: Purple, gold, and white were the colors worn by American suffragists during parades and marches. While colorful sashes and pins were also worn, white dresses stood out in a crowd and were a distinctive statement of the movement.

Tag Us! on Facebook or Instagram @WisconsinHistoricalSociety for a chance to be featured.

Use These Hashtags

• #WomensVote100
• #WIVotesforWomen
• #BIGHistoryIsHappening

Visit the Committee’s website, womenvotewi.wi.gov, for information on the centennial.