1919 Massachusetts Suffrage Debate Reimagined

The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum hosts a reimagining of the June 25th, 1919 MA House of Representatives women’s suffrage debate. 

Adams, MA (5/24/24)—The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the June 25th, 1919 Massachusetts ratification of the 19th amendment with a live debate at the museum. 

The event, a performance entitled “1919: MA Debates Suffrage," will take place on Saturday, June 1st at 5:00 PM at the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, MA. The public is invited to attend the debate, cast their ballot, and attend a reception afterwards.

What were the arguments for and against women's suffrage? How did the Massachusetts legislature debate before voting on June 25th, 1919? How would you have voted on women's suffrage? Sina Mansouri and James Capuzzi re-imagine the final suffrage debate in Massachusetts! 

James Capuzzi, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, served as Tulane Debate Team President from 2016-2017 and was awarded the Edward Ambrose Bechtel for extracurricular achievement at graduation.

Sina Mansouri, Tulane University '17, served as Tulane Debate Team president from 2015-2016. A talented speaker, he won multiple top speaker awards for argumentation during his tenure on the debate team.

How does this relate to suffragist Susan B. Anthony?

Although Susan passed away in 1906, her legacy lives on in the 19th amendment, also referred to as the “Susan B. Anthony Amendment”. Beginning formally in 1869, Susan dedicated her activism to women’s suffrage. She co-founded the National Woman's Suffrage Association, and, after some years of division, became president of the new National American Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1892. At the 38th Annual Convention of National American Woman Suffrage Association in Baltimore, MD on February 15th 1906, less than a month before her death, she delivered a speech for future women’s suffrage advocates: 

“I am here for a little time only and then my place will be filled as theirs was filled. The fight must not cease; you must see that it does not stop. 

There have been others also just as true and devoted to the cause — I wish I could name every one — but with such women consecrating their lives, failure is impossible!”

"1919: MA Debates Suffrage”

Saturday, June 1st

5:00 PM

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum

67 East Road, Adams MA

Additional parking around the corner on Walling Road. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1919-massachusetts-debates-womens-suffrage-tickets-903385449197

The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, located on 67 East Road in Adams, Mass., is open Thursdays through Mondays this summer from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, call the Museum at 413-743-7121 or visit http://www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com.

About the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum

The Susan B. Anthony birthplace was restored, and opened in 2010. The two-story Federal-style house at the foot of Mount Greylock depicts family and work life and the Quaker community in the early 1800s, and includes Daniel Anthony’s store, the room where Anthony was born, a portrait gallery, authentic period pieces, ephemera, and a detailed timeline. The museum has welcomed guests from 16 countries, including all provinces of Canada. Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, 67 East Road (PO Box 244), Adams, MA 01220, 413-743-7121, [email protected], http://www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com.

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Promotional images for the upcoming event in poster and social media sizes. We are happy to provide different aspect ratios on request.