Thursday, August 28, 2008

Belvoir group visits D.C. landmark, honors Women’s Equality Day

Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth are just some of the names etched in history when it comes to the pursuit of women’s equality in America. Fortunately, their struggles and successes are remembered at the historic Sewall-Belmont House and Museum in Washington, D.C. - a landmark dedicated to the evolving role of women and their contributions to society.

Sponsored by the Fort Belvoir Equal Employment Opportunity Office, several members of the installation visited the museum Tuesday in celebration of Women’s Equality Day.

Built in 1899, the museum was once home to Paul, a well-known suffragist leader and author of the Equal Rights Amendment for women. At one time, it also served as the headquarters to the National Woman’s Party.

Jessica Tava, visitor services manager for Sewall-Belmont, said the museum offers special tours and educational programs for school groups, families, Girl Scouts and the general public. According to her, it’s the only museum in Washington that highlights the tactics and techniques used during the 20th century women’s rights movement.

“The museum houses one of the most expansive and unique collections from the woman’s suffrage and equal rights campaigns,” Tava said. “It chronicles the lives of many important women, all of whom had a role in achieving the right to vote for women in 1920. It’s rich in history and a beautiful place to visit.”

When inside, guests are treated to countless photographs and newspaper articles related to organized women’s rights marches, a video presentation discussing the strategy that stretched from the east to the west in getting women to acknowledge the importance of voting and banners that further aided the plight of the NWP.

Gloria Magruder, assistant director for Belvoir’s North Post Child Development Center, was one of those on the tour and came away quite impressed with the museum. She said she was not aware the Equal Rights Amendment that allowed women the right to vote was not ratified by every state in the nation. Even to this day.

“After hearing that, you realize we’re not where we should be when it comes to women’s rights in America,” Magruder said. “The museum provides a lot of history in our struggles, but should inspire us to continue moving forward. We’re getting there, but we’re not there yet.”
Tava said, although the 1920 ratification of the 19th amendment allowing women the right to vote can never be denied, 38 states would need to acknowledge this in their own respective legislatures for it to be officially documented in the U.S. Constitution.

To date, only 35 states have ratified the amendment.