Sash

1910-1920

Place madeUnited States, North America

Synthetic textile

each overall: 52 1/2 x 4 in.

Gift of Mrs. Dana Converse Backus, 1955

INV.7421.7

The Woman Suffrage Party was organized by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1909 out of many small suffrage societies. It put the state legislature under intense pressure in 1913 forcing a referendum on votes for women in New York State. In 1915, a second vote was forced by more campaigning, helping women gain the vote in New York state. With the momentum started in New York and the added votes from women in the state, New York carried the country and the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. This sash belonged to New York suffragist Harriet Burton Laidlaw (1873-1949), who was chairman of the Woman Suffrage Party for the borough of Manhattan from about 1909 to 1916.

DescriptionYellow and white striped synthetic textile sashes printed, "VOTES FOR WOMEN" in black ink on the back and front.

ClassificationsPOLITICAL MEMORABILIA