June 21, 2019
EUGENE: Shelton McMurphey Johnson House (SMJ House) and the League of Women Voters of Lane County (LWVLC) are hosting a year-long celebration next year and you are invited to participate!
After many years of campaigning, letter writing, parades, sit-ins, and even imprisonments for many suffragists, the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was finally and officially ratified on August 18, 1920. This was just in time for women all over the country to vote in the 1920 election between Republican Warren G. Harding and Democrat James M. Cox. These first time voters would have included Oregon women like SMJ's very own Alberta Shelton McMurphey, her 4 daughters and Dr. Eva Johnson in Wisconsin. What an exciting time for all women in Eugene and around the country!
In recognition of this 100th year anniversary, the SMJ House will be hosting a series of events and exhibits celebrating the suffrage movement at the Museum and around town. The celebration will be split into two main themes: The Work We Did and The Work Still to Do.
The Work We Did
will focus on the history of the suffrage movement in Eugene, Oregon, and beyond from February through June. The second half of the year, The Work Still to Do theme will feature a suffrage-inspired juried art exhibit, workshops, and discussions about continuing the work of equity and diversity in our community.
There are already a few events planned, with more to be announced as the year gets closer. SMJ House and the LWVLC will be hosting an Equity Tea on February 22 & 23,2020. A Suffrage Brunch will be held on Women's Equality Day, August 26, 2020. The authors of We the Resilient, Sarah Benor and Tom Fields-Meyer, will be giving a presentation and book signing on April 19, 2020. Stay tuned for details about other events still in the planning stages, including the The Work Still to Do Art Exhibit.
If you have ideas about celebrating this important historical event, SMJ House Executive Director Leah Murray is looking for community partners. She says that there are many ways for the community to participate including hosting equity-themed book clubs, art projects, music concerts, and the list goes on. "We are pretty much looking for any and all ideas." She offers.
"The important thing to remember about the movement for a more equitable society, is that isn't just about one person or one organization; it's about all of us working together." Ms. Murray hopes that all local businesses and organizations will think of ways to recognize the anniversary. "Whether it's sponsoring one of our events, volunteering to help with research or fundraising, or creating one of your own events, there is something that we can each do to recognize our history and excite the future of equality and diversity."
You can contact Leah Murray at [email protected] or 541-484-0808 to learn how you can get involved today.
