On August 26, 2020 we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
In Montana, men voted in favor of equal suffrage on November 3, 1914. But nationally, many women had to wait until the passing of the 19th Amendment to have the vote. For more on the Montana suffrage story, click here.
At The Extreme History Project, we have partnered with many other local organizations to commemorate this important anniversary. The group, which is called, “The 19th Amendment: Expanding the Arc of the Suffrage Story” is a coordinated effort of individuals and organizations in the Gallatin Valley, Montana who are working to change the narrative of women’s suffrage. We recognize that the fight for women’s voting rights, culminating with the 19th Amendment, was a key achievement for white women’s rights, but we also recognize that many indigenous women and women of color were excluded from both the process and the outcomes of the fights for suffrage. We are committed to using this anniversary as an opportunity to include these voices and their stories of suffrage, or lack thereof, and to highlight the continued threats to women’s rights today. To follow this groups events, please like the Facebook page by clicking here.
In commemoration of the 19th Amendment anniversary we are raffling off a “Suffragist Quilt” made by Extreme History volunteer, Susan Sewell. The quilt will be raffled on August 26, 2020. The colors and design of the quilt are based on the sashes worn by suffragists over their white dresses during parades, meetings, and protests. “Purple is the color of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause. White, the emblem of purity, symbolizes the quality of our purpose; and gold, the color of light and life, is as the torch that guides our purpose, pure and unswerving.” The quilt is approximately 60 x 72 inches, the material is 100% cotton batiks. It is Machine washable & dryable (warm/cool water, delicate cycle suggested). It will “pucker” when washed and dried – that is an attribute of quilts, not a defect. The quilt pattern is called Rail Fence or Split Rail Fence. A very traditional quilt pattern. This is a unique Montana-made piece that commemorates a significant historical event. 
Its beauty will bring you joy and warmth on cold winter nights as you remember the women who worked hard to achieve the national vote for women. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. You can purchase raffle tickets at Extreme History headquarters (234 E. Mendenhall in Bozeman which is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm) or you can put a check in the mail to us at P.O. Box 5019, Bozeman, MT 59717. Or you can venmo us at @ExtremeHistoryProject. Proceeds from the raffle tickets will go to educational events on women’s history.
Watch The Extreme History Project Facebook page for more upcoming events and opportunities to commemorate this important anniversary year!
For a recap of this important fight for suffrage watch The Vote on PBS. Here is a link to Part 1 and Part 2.
The Extreme History Project 