100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New York State Tioga Committee seeks partners

The year 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New York State, three years before the passage of the 19th Amendment. This presents a wonderful opportunity for Tioga County to highlight women’s history in our region. 

New York State is home to the first-ever Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls on July 19 and 20, 1848, and organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Sixty-nine years later, on Nov. 6, 1917, women in New York State won the right to vote. Then in 1920, the United States ratified the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, granting all women the right to vote. 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the kick-off of New York Women’s Suffrage 100th Anniversary Commemoration Commission which will be responsible for a series of programs that celebrate women’s suffrage across New York State. 

The Tioga Women’s Suffrage Committee was recently formed so that Tioga County may take part in this statewide celebration. 

“There is an opportunity to work collaboratively within our communities, to focus on the history of women’s suffrage and to learn more about what it took to win the right to vote,” committee member Marte Sauerbrey shared. She went on to say that the Tioga County Legislature would be issuing a Proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History month and acknowledging the 100-year anniversary of women’s right to vote in New York State. The Proclamation will be offered at the March 14 Legislative Session at 6 p.m. in the Hubbard Auditorium of the County Office Building. 

In addition, the Tioga Women’s Suffrage Committee is looking for anyone interested in assisting with the gathering of artifacts, planning of events, and/or participating on committees to help organize celebrations of this historic event in our communities. Tioga County Historian and committee member Emma Sedore stated, “We are looking for input from all of you. If possible, please let us know of anyone in your community who may either have an interest in participating in this collaborative community celebration, or who may have relics they would be willing to share”. 

Tioga County Director of Tourism Becca Maffei added, “It is important that our residents, young and old, are aware of the sacrifices withstood to secure women’s right to vote. There were many Tioga County women who played a significant role in those efforts.” 

“I am happy to be part of acknowledging Tioga County history, and we are eager to include our school students in the recognition,” said committee member Ellen Pratt, hinting that there will be an announcement about an essay contest for Tioga County school students soon. 

LeeAnn Tinney indicated that the committee is planning for an event in August. Tinney stated, “There will be more details to share as we pull the event together. We hope to not only celebrate our past, but also give the public an opportunity to check out the impressive Tioga County Courthouse.” 

Please contact any of the Tioga Women’s Suffrage committee members; Emma Sedore, Marte Sauerbrey, Becca Maffei, Ellen Pratt or LeeAnn Tinney, with the names and contact information of those who may be interested in contributing.