Sisters, Unite! 4 Key U.S. Places to Experience the History of Women’s Rights Tasmiah Rashid August 25, 2017 Interests, Trending Stories “We ask justice, we ask equality, we ask that all the civil and political rights that belong to citizens of the United States be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever.” —Susan B. Anthony, Declaration of Rights for Women, July 1876 We fought for suffrage…for how long?! Almost 100 years. Yes, it took activists and reformers almost 100 years of strikes, strife, and struggle for women to gain the right to vote. At last, thanks to these revolutionaries, on August 26th, 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation that ratified the 19th Amendment, enfranchising all American women. Any day is a good day to commemorate that first declaration that American women deserved all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, finally receiving the constitutional right to vote. But if you’re looking in particular for flights this March to celebrate Women’s History Month, here’s a list of places where American women made history. Any of these destinations could be the perfect spot for your next vacation, so you can make a trip out of your pilgrimage to pay homage to these amazing achievements by brave women. Women’s Rights National Historical Park — Seneca Falls, New York This park is one of many important sites in upstate New York included on the National Votes for Women Trail, a route that connects a series of historic places for the women’s rights movement. This 6.8-acre site in Seneca Falls is nothing short of a sanctuary for women’s equality and ranks high on our list of must-visits. You’ll get to visit the homes of key suffragettes, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Jane Hunt. Seneca Falls is also home to suffragist movement launching pads such as the Wesleyan Methodist Church, site of the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention. Rosie the Riveter Park — Richmond, California Red bandana, denim shirt, and a strong, flexed arm in the air, Rosie the Riveter is so much more than just the popular Halloween costume she’s been reduced to. During World War II, 6 million women entered the workforce and Rosie the Riveter soon became the emblem of all women workers back on the home front. The Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park boasts a museum that explores the origins of the iconic female factory worker — and her “We Can Do It” motto. The museum also explores the many ways that the women brought into the workforce during World War II helped spark societal shifts towards equality. Michelle Obama by Gage Skidmore licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” —Michelle Obama Rankin Ranch — Avalanche Gulch, Montana Tucked away in the Big Belt Mountains in Montana, this Rankin Ranch was once the summer residence of Jeannette Rankin, the first female member of Congress and the first woman to hold national office in the United States. She was elected in 1916 and played a crucial role in passing the 19th Amendment — you know, the one that gave women the right to vote. And as if that wasn’t enough, besides being a lifelong, women’s rights advocate, Rankin also displayed a penchant for peace; she was the only legislator to oppose a declaration of war for both World Wars. You may also like: 4 Empowering Trip Ideas for Women Traveling Together Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument — Washington, D.C. Belmont Paul Women’s Equality National Monument by Ser Amantio di Nicolao licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 When it comes to visiting famous sites of women’s rights, Washington D.C. is a great option. Designated a national monument by President Obama on April 12, 2016, the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument has been home to the National Women’s Party (NWP) for nearly 90 years. It was from this house that Alice Paul, chief strategist and founder of the NWP, helped to develop the initial strategies and tactics to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment that would eventually set ablaze the trail to equality for women. Is there a significant site in the fight for female rights that we omitted? Let us know in the comments section below!
