Purchase, 2002.
The collection is open for research.
Use of materials from this collection beyond the
exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S.
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Department, University of Delaware Library,
MSS 477, Woman Suffrage collection, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.
Processed by Laura Cochrane, March 2003. Encoded by Lora J. Davis, August 2011.
The fight for woman suffrage in the United States began in the early nineteenth century, growing out of the Anti-Slavery campaigns of that period.
The first major event of the woman suffrage movement was the Seneca Falls Convention, which took place in New York State in July of 1848. At the convention the delegates demanded suffrage for woman as well as improved access to educational and employment opportunities.
Early campaigns for woman suffrage focused on state voting rights. However, by 1869 it was apparent that an amendment to the federal constitution was preferable. In that year two organizations were formed to work toward that end: The National Woman Suffrage Association, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, and The American Woman Suffrage Association, led by Lucy Stone. In 1890, the two organizations joined under the name: National American Woman Suffrage Association.
In 1890, Wyoming entered the Union and became the first state in which women had the Vote. Over the next three decades various states changed their constitution to give women voting rights. However up until the 1910s, there was little progress toward a constitutional amendment.
After World War I, the major oppositions to woman suffrage had been broken down. In January of 1918 the House voted to amend the constitution, followed by the Senate in June of 1919. The Nineteenth Amendment was enacted August 26, 1920 after Tennessee became the 36th State to ratify it.
The Woman Suffrage collection comprises ephemera, pamphlets, books, and realia that relate to the campaign for women's voting rights.
Most of the materials date from the 1910s and document the movement in the last decade before woman suffrage was achieved.
The items listed in this bibliography have been removed from the Woman Suffrage collection and cataloged separately with the print holdings of Special Collections.
Björkman, Frances M., and Annie G. Porritt, eds.
Asking that women vote against Mr. Wilson and the Democratic candidates in the United States Senate and House.
Depicts a map of the United States indicating where women have the vote and to what degree.
National American Women Suffrage Association.
Congress of American Woman.
New York: Interurban Suffrage Council.
New York State Woman Suffrage Party.
Depicts a young woman at a chalkboard on which is written "Question. How can this be a government of the people, by the people if only ½ the people vote?" Before her sits a man labeled "anti-suffragist." The bottom of the handbill reads "Empire State Campaign" and "Vote for the Amendment in 1915."
Boston.
Girard Kansas: The Socialist Woman.
New York: Privately Printed.
Announces an annual election of officers at the Merion Cricket Club, Haverford, Pa. on June 2, 1914.
Lists events such as speeches by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Fanny Garrison Villard, a parade, pageant, and benefit concerts.
Image of a little girl in a pink dress and green hat, holding an umbrella. Signed by Wall.
Reads: "United Equal Suffrage States of America / Wyoming1890 / Colorado 1893 / Utah 1896 / Idaho 1896 / A star will be added to the flag as each state enters / The union of States as the ought to be."
Each postcard has a different quote printed on it.
American flags frame the text.
"Votes for Women" and "Drink to the Success of the Empire State Campaign, Headquarters 303 5th Ave., New York."
Addressed to Mrs. R. B. Thompson, Millerstown, Perry County Pa for 500 "Liberty Bell Fliers", 100 "Suffrage maps", 100 "Women on the farm", and 2 pompons with a note that two pennants will also be sent.
On reverse: "Woman's Library Bell / Justice / Equality / 1915 / Pennsylvania.
Reads: "Votes for Women" (1915).
Reads "Baseball fans, movie fans, political fans, all good fans everywhere favor votes for the women of Massachusetts."
Published by the National Women's Party. Depicts a woman on horseback holding a banner reading "…into light."
Framed with a card reading: "Yourself and a lady are cordially invited to attend the suffrage play ["How the Vote was won"] and Ball … Boone County [Iowa] Suffrage Association."