Events at Bicentennial Capitol Mall and State Museum Aug. 16-17
NASHVILLE –Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives will mark the 99th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which ushered in women’s right to vote, with events Aug. 16-17.
“Votes for Women: Commemorating Women’s Suffrage” will provide living history programs and hands-on activities for people of all ages, focusing on the right to vote and the women’s suffrage movement in Tennessee. Activities will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the park and the museum.
Historians will be at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall depicting different stories relating to the women’s suffrage movement. The free event will provide living history programs and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
After Congress passed the 19th Amendment in June 1919, it was sent to the states for ratification. Three-fourths of state legislatures needed to ratify the amendment for it to be adopted nationwide. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to ratify the amendment. The vote concluded a century-long, hard-fought women’s suffrage movement.
Tennessee became known as the “Perfect 36” and is often acknowledged for securing the final passage. The Tennessee State Parks Run Club will host the Perfect 3.6 Race for Ratification, beginning at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. The event will include a one-mile course and a 3.6-mile course for participants of all skill levels and ages. Packet pickup will be 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. More information on the race can be found here.
Other events will be held leading up to next year’s 100th anniversary of the ratification.
