In the news

Several Hoosier Organizations Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote in Indiana


Suffrage Centennial Block Party includes talks, workshops and happy hours

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 5, 2020) — A host of local organizations are joining together to present the Suffrage Centennial Block Party, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of women voting in Indiana. The Block Party is a week of free talks, parties, workshops, happy hours and fun — online and in your backyard.

The Suffrage Centennial Block Party takes place from Saturday, Aug. 29 to Friday, Sept. 4, and includes a variety of events — performances, tours, talks, conversations, workshops and porch parties — taking place on Zoom and streamed live over social media. There will also be a few in-person events, providing a safe, socially-distanced experience.

“Suffragists adapted to new technology, from pamphlets to press conferences to media blitzes, to convince Hoosiers that they deserved the right to vote,” said Callie McCune, manager of public programs at the Indiana Historical Society. “Now, a century later, we’re doing the same thing for the Suffrage Block Party. We encourage Hoosiers to join all of these great organizations to culminate our year-long commemoration of women voting in Indiana.”

The Block Party is presented by Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana Humanities, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and Indiana State House Tour Office.

For a full schedule of events, please visit: https://indianahistory.org/blockparty. Some events have limited space and require registration. Others will be live streamed over social media.

Also, attendees can register for free, limited-edition Suffrage Bags — toolkits with everything needed to put together a great block party, including activity booklets, suffrage-themed swag and party favors. Register here: https://www.indianamuseum.org/suffrage. Kits must be reserved in advance and picked up on the specified dates and times. Contactless pickup is available at seven sites across Indiana:

Friday, Aug. 14, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis)
Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Indiana Historical Society (Indianapolis)
Friday, Aug. 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Angel Mounds State Historic Site (Evansville)
Friday, Aug. 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site (Rome City)
Friday, Aug. 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Lanier Mansion State Historic Site (Madison)
Friday, Aug. 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – T.C. Steele State Historic Site (Nashville)
Saturday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Hammond Public Library (Hammond)

For more information, visit indianahistory.org or call (317) 232-1882.

About the Indiana Historical Society (IHS)
The Indiana Historical Society collects and preserves Indiana’s unique stories; brings Hoosiers together in remembering and sharing the past; and inspires a future grounded in our state’s uniting values and principles. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

About the Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission
The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission is working to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment and create a legacy that honors and celebrates this important milestone in our nation and state’s
history.

About the Eiteljorg Museum
A cultural pillar for more than 30 years in downtown Indianapolis’ scenic White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the Indigenous peoples of North America by telling amazing stories. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg was named one of the USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Indiana Attractions.

About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. Learn more: IndianaHumanities.org.

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a statewide museum system with 12 locations, offering visitors a chance to engage with Indiana’s past and present and see how their actions help shape the future. At each location, visitors are invited to explore big questions and create lasting experiences that will resonate long after each visit ends. Whether interested in art or architecture, history or science, there’s something for everyone and every interest. The Indianapolis museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The historic sites are located statewide, stretching from Rome City in northeastern Indiana to Evansville in the southwest.

About the Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Education Center
The Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Education Center shares the history of Indiana and the artistry of the Statehouse with Hoosiers and with visitors from across the country and around the world. We promote positive citizenship through education and foster understanding about state government, its processes and the people who serve within it.