There are a lot of exciting things in play in Washington, D.C., these days surrounding the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the U.S. Many celebrations and special exhibits based around two key dates—the passage of the 19th Amendment by Congress on June 4, 1919, and the ratification of the amendment on Aug. 18, 1920—are highlighting this milestone.
“The nation’s capital is home to hands-on monuments and museums, many of which are free and have interactive and educational exhibits that are perfect for adult group travel,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “We are thrilled to commemorate historical moments in the District [regarding] the women’s suffrage centennial, with many special offerings, such as an in-depth exhibit on women activists at the National Portrait Gallery and free tours of the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument on Capitol Hill, led by the National Park Service.”
Here is a rundown of some of the sites and special exhibits that are part of the centennial celebration:
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument Go on guided tours of the Capitol Hill-area home that became the center for the fight for women’s rights
The National Portrait Gallery “Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence” (on exhibit through Jan. 5, 2020)
The Library of Congress “Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote” (on exhibit through September 2020)
The National Museum of American History “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith” and “All Work, No Pay: A History of Women’s Invisible Labor” (both exhibits are ongoing)
The National Archives “Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote” (on exhibit through Jan. 3, 2021)
The U.S. Capitol Portrait Monument to Pioneers of the Suffrage Movement (this statue of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucretia Mott is on permanent display)
To learn more, email Lindsey Hill of Destination DC or go to washington.org.
Top Attractions
The REACH expansion at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
the Freer | Sackler Galleries
Top Culinary Options
Washington DC Urban Adventures’ Craft Cocktail Tour
Union Market
Red Bear Brewing Co.
Top photo: Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
Photo by CC Flickr/VSPYCC: bit.ly/2ysRa5r
