Delaware League of Women Voters celebrates 100 years
The League of Women Voters of Delaware celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the National League with a presentation and reception held at the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Museum Feb. 14.
Dr. Cynthia Newton, professor of political science at Wesley College in Dover, was the featured speaker. Her topic “From Civil Disobedience to the Ballot Box” centered on the history of the league. She emphasized the Silent Sentinels of the Women's Suffrage Movement, who picketed Woodrow Wilson's White House for more than a year, until the 19th Amendment was passed by the United States House and Senate in June 1919.
A group of leaders formed the League of Women Voters in February 1920, and some members paid a high price for their dedication. For instance, those held at the Occoquan Work House in Virginia were often mistreated, and many were force-fed when they went on hunger strikes to protest their incarceration.
A question-and-answer session was held following Newton's presentation, after which the audience attended a Prosecco and Pastry Reception in the adjoining exhibit hall.
Prior to Newton's presentation, Carol Jones, co-president of the state league, shared tributes the league received from the Office of the Governor and from the House of Representatives acknowledging their “importance in shaping political leaders, forming public policy, and advocating informed citizen participation at all levels of government.” She also introduced Bryan Selders, brewing ambassador from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, who announced that the brewery will be developing a special beer in acknowledgment of the League of Women Voters 100th Anniversary.
Both the Delaware State League and the Sussex County League are planning other programs for the balance of the year. Among these will be a film festival, a trip to Seneca Falls, N.Y., where the first national convention for women's rights was held in 1868, a joint parade and program with the VIA and other local organizations on Aug. 26, the day the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. Other programs will be announced as arrangements are completed.
