Votes for Women! A History Told Through Five Records

Discover the remarkable story of the American women’s suffrage movement through five historical records that reveal the long and often difficult road to the ballot box. From eighteenth-century poll books and antislavery petitions to suffrage cookbooks, prison protests, and voter registrations, this presentation explores how generations of women organized, challenged societal expectations, and fought for political representation. Along the way, we’ll examine the reform movements, influential leaders, grassroots campaigns, and opposition that shaped the struggle for voting rights. Beyond the familiar names and milestones, discover how ordinary women and their communities helped change the course of American history. Learn how newspapers, petitions, organizational records, and other historical sources can help genealogists uncover their ancestors’ connections to the movement and better understand the world in which they lived.