We know we are all cooped up now, but we want to culminate our year of commemorating Hoosier’s fight for suffrage in a big way. And we need your help!
When the 19th Amendment was finally ratified on August 26, 1920, the culmination of a 69-year fight for equality in Indiana, Hoosier women celebrated. They hosted porch parties in Huntington, held a victory parade in Terre Haute, and rang bells in Indianapolis. All across the state, they camped out on street corners to register new voters for the November election. Now, with the 100-year anniversary of the ratification approaching in August, it’s our turn to celebrate all that these brave and persistent women fought for.
The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and Indiana Statehouse Tour Office are teaming up to host a Block Party fit for the champions that were our Hoosier Suffragists. On August 29, we’ll honor the past and energize for the future with activities, free admission, tours, and fun, all along the downtown Canal.
But we need your help to make this event happen! We’re looking for exhibitors: civic, cultural, arts, and non-profit organizations, to bring your best interactive activity, engage with guests and promote civic engagement. Explore and fill out the application here. Applications are due by June 1 at 9 am. In addition to exhibitors, we’re also hosting food trucks on Robert Orr Plaza, in between the Indiana State House and downtown Canal. Interested in participating and bringing your truck? Reach out to Callie McCune (cmccune@indianahistory.org) for more information.
Looking for more ways to participate, but not sure how? Reach out to Callie McCune (cmccune@indianahistory.org) or Marcy Dodson (mdodson@indianamuseum.org) to collaborate. Make sure you keep up to date with all the details for the event at indianahistory.org/blockparty and with all things Indiana suffrage related at indianasuffrage100.org. We can’t wait to see you on Saturday, August 29th!