Philadelphia is famous for the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, but America’s birthplace also played a leading role in the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted a select group of American women the right to vote.
For centuries, Philadelphia was an incubator of suffrage thought, home to many suffrage leaders — and a testing ground for some of the most famous demonstrations.
In 2020, Philadelphia honors the centennial of the ratification — and the future of the women’s rights movement — with special exhibitions and events, both in-person and online. These include Women 100, the largest centennial celebration in the United States.
Also, exhibitions at museums like the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the National Constitution Center use clothing and accessories from suffragette marches and rallies, a 19th-century ballot box used to collect women’s votes and more artifacts to delve into the struggle for women’s voting rights. (Pro tip: Before heading to these exhibitions, read up on the attractions’ latest visiting guidelines, purchase tickets in advance and pack a mask.)
Plus, in tribute to the centennial, the City of Philadelphia has declared the city’s nickname to be “the City of Sisterly Love” for 2020, recognizing women’s suffrage in 1920 and remembering that women of color were not granted the right to vote until 1965.
Read on for our guide to celebrations in Philadelphia commemorating the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Through March 21, 2021
This series of programs and events — recently extended through March 2021 to coincide with Women’s History Month — celebrates American women and sparks new ideas about the path to gender equality. Presented by Drexel University’s Vision2020, Women 100 is the largest centennial celebration in the United States honoring the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In addition to reimagined individual events called out below, residents and visitors can take a women-and-public-art self-guided tour compiled by the Association for Public Art and listen to WHYY’s weekly series on American women who changed the world.
The Brandywine River Museum of Art displays and explains century-old political cartoons, plays, posters, parades and fashion that formed the visual culture of the U.S. women’s suffrage movement in this recently extended exhibit. Drawings, illustrations, photographs of marches and rallies, clothing and accessories — especially sashes — re-create and contextualize this time of tangible art and physical action, long before social media or television. Among other safety protocols, the museum recommends that visitors purchase tickets in advance. Note, too, that masks are required indoors.
Where: Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford
A free interactive art exhibition at the Kimmel Center that’s been reimagined as a virtual experience, A Seat at the Table invites the public to learn more about gender barrier-breakers throughout women’s history in six categories, including politics and government; business and finance; science, technology, engineering and math; sports; and more.
The Clay Studio in Old City celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with the opening of 100 Years, 100 Women. For the exhibition, The Clay Studio asked 50 artists to each choose two women who embody the spirit of female empowerment and honor them by making modern-day commemorative plates. Check out the exhibition, then shop for handmade ceramics and gifts.
Where: The Clay Studio, 139 N. 2nd Street
Opens August 26, 2020
The National Constitution Center expands on its recently added permanent exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction, with an exhibit about the movement for women’s voting rights. The new addition explores constitutional arguments for and against women’s rights and offers historical context, spotlighting multiple generations of advocates and exploring the complex debates surrounding voting rights for African Americans versus rights for white women. Notable artifacts include a rare printing of the Declaration of Sentiments and a 19th-century ballot box used to collect women’s votes. Peruse the attraction’s safety protocols, then reserve a ticket online. (Bonus: There’s free admission available through September 5, 2020!)
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
Celebrate the anniversary of the day the 19th Amendment was adopted — now known Women’s Equality Day — with this virtual event webcast from Independence National Historical Park. On the docket for the 90-minute program: speakers, music from The Philadelphia Orchestra and singer Meghan Cary, and more. At 1 p.m., all virtual attendees are encouraged to raise a glass of grape juice (as the suffragists did) during a collective toast.
The Museum of the American Revolution’s special exhibition features the stories of New Jersey women who legally voted in elections shortly after the Declaration of Independence was released. Though the loophole in the law was eventually closed, the impact of their votes and their fight to maintain their suffrage echoed through generations. Pro tip: Purchase your tickets in advance, and read the attraction’s updated safety protocols to enjoy a fun and safe visit.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
Follow along from home as female race car drivers pull an all-night road trip from East Falls in Philadelphia to Seneca Falls, New York, site of the first Women’s Rights Convention. After exploring women’s rights sites up north, the drivers make the return trip to Philly on October 17.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) presents impressive, political, space-claiming large-scale artwork from its own collection by women artists. Massive paintings, drawings, sculpture, installation and mixed media — including major pieces by Betye Saar and Njideka Akunyili Crosby — examine the historic, present and future roles of women in art and the world.
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad Street
At the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, this celebration of American women includes a ceremony featuring music, performance segments and a salute to women who have blazed trails for others to follow in a multitude of fields.
Where: The Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
The can't-miss Philly sites honoring women's impact on the region and the country...