RARE SUFFRAGE ARTIFACTS ARRIVE IN TACOMA
TACOMA-Nov. 12- Washington State History Museum staff unpacked rare artifacts seldom seen outside of
New York last week. Susan B. Anthony’s dress, cloak, glasses, inkwell, diary, and a rare copy of the
Declaration of Sentiments were carefully unpacked and prepared by museum staff for an upcoming exhibit
at the History Museum, Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices.
These delicate items are usually not loaned out; however, the Women's Rights National Historical Park,
the Susan B. Anthony House, and the Rochester Historical Society all made special arrangements to loan
these rare artifacts to the travelling Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices exhibit. Following its seven-month
display at the History Museum, it will travel to Wenatchee, Yakima, Seattle, and Spokane.
The exhibit, opening Feb. 28, is the lead activity celebrating the centennial celebration of women
obtaining the right to vote in Washington. The arrival of these artifacts signals the beginning of a
year-long celebration of women’s suffrage.
The artifacts required custom-built packaging so these items could be safely shipped from Rochester
and Seneca Falls, NY.
About the artifacts
Susan B. Anthony first came to Washington Territory in November of 1871 to campaign for women’s suffrage
and establish the first suffrage association in Washington. “This homecoming is reminiscent of her
returning, at least in spirit, to celebrate the victory she fought for in Washington,” said Shanna
Stevenson, co-curator of Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices. Susan B. Anthony’s dress is on loan from Rochester
Historical Society in Rochester, NY. Her other belongings are on loan from the Susan B. Anthony House in
Rochester.
The Declaration of Sentiments is like the Declaration of Independence for women’s rights. “It is the Holy
Grail for women, as well as an extremely rare document,” said Stevenson. The document, signed by 100
delegates at the first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848, makes the case for women's
right to vote. Famous suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Mary Ann M'Clintock signed
the document. The Declaration of Sentiments is on loan from the Women's Rights National Historical Park
in Seneca Falls.
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About the
Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical Society, is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The Washington State History Museum presents exhibits, programs and events that bring Washington's history to life. The Washington State Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history since 1891.
HOURS - Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours and FREE admission every third Thursday from 2 - 8 p.m. The Museum is open Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
ADMISSION - $25 for families (two adults and up to four children); $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60
and above; $6 for students and military with valid ID; children, age 5 and below, and members are always
FREE.
CONTACT – 1-888-BE THERE, www.WashingtonHistory.org
Media Contact:
Marketing Office
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
Washington State Historical Society
253-798-5877