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Message “We ask of our rulers, at this hour, no special favors, no special privileges, no special legislation. 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.” - Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States, July 4, 1876These words from The Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States were read by Susan B. Anthony in 1876. During the centennial Independence Day ceremony in Philadelphia, ve pivotal Women's Surage leaders, including Anthony, Matilda Joslyn Gage, Sara Andrews Spencer, and Lillie Devereux Blake, received platform passes to watch the presentation.Continued on page 3In collaboration with the Mass Cultural Council, Adams Free Library, and Adams Community Bank, the Museum recently hosted a ve-part event series celebrating the history and legacy of suf-fragists at the end of the ght for Women’s Surage. Drawing in an enthusiastic audience, these events brought the powerful stories of the surage movement to life through a mix of engaging formats, includ-ing live reenactments, interative discussions, and history-inspired performances. The series provided a rich exploration of the suragist movement, highlighting the cour-age, determination, and resilience of the women who fought for their right to vote. Each event aimed to spark reection on the endur-ing relevance and impact of their struggle.Continued on page 2TheThe Birthplace BannerBirthplace Banner THE SUSAN B. ANTHONY BIRTHPLACE MUSEUMVOL. XV.—NO 1. FREE ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS, NOVEMBER 2024SuSan TakeS The STand:Adams Holds Historical Reenactment of the Declaration of Women’s Rights"If I Could Live Another Century” Marks revival of lecture seriescollaboration & connection: Strengthening Berkshire's Bondsback to school with “Your Neighbor, Susan”Susan B. Anthony returned to Berkshire County last spring, thanks to a generous grant from the Berkshire Taconic Com-munity Foundation. Susan B. Anthony, performed by Muse-um volunteer and professional reenactor Muriel Dyas, brought her inspiring story to 135 fth and sixth grade students at nearby Williamstown Elementa-ry school. "This is the most fun day ever", said a Wil-liamstown Elementary School Student while marching down the hallways with her classmates in her "Votes for Women" sash and waving her hand-drawn protest sign. Continued on page 4"We ask justice, we ask equality... be guaranteed to us our daughters forever."& Under the leadership of James Capuzzi, who became Director in 2023, the Museum has signicant-ly increased engagement within the vibrant Berkshire community. The following is a recap of Muse-um-participated events in 2024.The Museum attends monthly meetings of Adams and Cheshire area non-prots, creating a shared calendar to better collaborate and connect with the local community.For the rst time in years, the Museum marched in the William-stown 4th of July Parade, with interns Libby Ford and Christina Lothrop in historic costume, chant-ing “Votes for Women” and “Go Susan B!”The Museum’s rst major event in Southern Berkshire County was at Shakespeare and Company’s Community Day in Lenox, MA. Local residents learned about the Museum, and many visited shortly after stopping by the booth. Continued on page 6
The Birthplace BannerA publication of news and note from the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace MuseumEditorsCarrie MillerJames CapuzziCopy EditorJessica BrennanContributorsMarty Loughman Elizabeth RoniloStory Ideas/Questions/Commentsinfo@susanbanthonybirthplace.orgSUSAN B. ANTHONY BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM67 East Road, PO Box 244Adams, MA 01220413.743.7121www.susanbanthonybirthplace.orge Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, Inc. is a not-for-prot corporation, dedicated to preserving the birthplace and raising public awareness of the wide-ranging legacy of the great social reformer, Su-san B. Anthony, who was a pioneering feminist and suragist as well as a noteworthy gure in the ab-olitionist, Restellism (opposition to abortion), and temperance movements of the 19th century.As part of its mission, the Museum highlights the familial and regional inuences which shaped Miss Anthony’s early life, by displaying the textiles and furnishings of that period, as well as the literature and memorabilia associated with her later career.A fternoon Teas returned to the Museum after a three-year hiatus. Interns Delaney Thur-ston and Libby Ford planned the initial tea, crafting beauti-ful table settings and tea sandwiches. Shire Cottage Bakery provided delicious scones, Full Well Farm donated fresh cut owers, and Mary Whitman donat-ed sunower tea platters and decorations from the Surage Centennial, an example of Adams collabo-ration eorts. The second featured fem-inist poetry by Nancy Manning and Karen Cio-sek, and the third debuted our original Votes for Women tea set donated by Ventfort Hall. The teas were attended by residents around Berkshire County.2"If I Could Live Another Century” Marks revival of lecture seriesTo kick o the lecture series, local needlesmith Michelle Gajda presented her intricate work, inspired by the Rhode Island Cross Stitch Sampler, and discussed how each panel uniquely tells the story of Women’s Surage."Yes! the suffrag-ists had swag!" BY NaNcY keNNedY1919: Massachusetts deBates suffrage BY JaMes capuzzi &siNa MaNsouri"our rightful heritage of self goverNMeNt" BY dr. shaNNoN M. risk"stitchiNg suffrage" BY Michelle gaJda"if i could live aNother ceNturY!"BY Muriel dYasMuriel Dyas brought Susan B. Anthony’s legacy to life with a powerful portrayal of the suragist, capturing her resilience and determination. Anthony’s words in this speech reected her hope for a world where women’s rights would be fully realized, a vision that resonated deeply with the audience.Through an engaging show-and-tell, author Nancy B. Kennedy shared surage keepsakes and historical photos, bringing the 72-year ght for women’s voting rights to life. Using her children’s book, Women Win the Vote! 19 for the 19th Amendment, she traced key moments and gures in the movement while weaving in her own experiences as a writer.Executive Director, James Capuzzi, and his former colleague, Sina Mansouri, participat-ed in a lively debate that reimagined the nal arguments for Women's Surage in Massa-chusetts, capturing the intense discourse that shaped this pivotal chapter in history.Dr. Shannon Risk, professor of history at Niagara University, presented a lecture on her book The Life and Times of Elizabeth Upham Yates: Crusader for Women’s Surage, Temperance, and Missionary Work. Risk’s work chronicles Yates' contributions as one of Susan B. Anthony’s key allies in the surage movement. The Museum is proud to have hosted this event series and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the hosts and everyone who attended!HHigHigHTTea ea SSaTuraTurddaySaySFrom Cup to Conversation"Someone muST WaSH THe diSHeS"W e partnered with Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum to present “Someone MustWash the Dishes: An Anti-surage Satire.” The one-woman political satire was portrayed by the talented actress Michèle LaRue. This monologue was original-ly written in 1912, by the pro-suragist and Unitar-ian minister Marie Jen-ney Howe. Howe played a signicant role in the Women’s Surage move-ment, working alongside other prominent suragists like Carrie Chapman Catt. She was known for her use of humor and satire to chal-lenge traditional gender roles and to promote the surage cause, setting her apart in a movement often characterized by more serious rhetoric. Her play, “Someone Must Wash the Dishes: An An-ti-Surage Monologue," is meant to humorously critique the arguments made by anti-suragists by mimicking their rhetoric in exaggerated ways.Continued on page 4In GraTITude To our Speaker SerIeS SponSorSAnti-Suffrage Satire with Venfort HallMuseum Director, James Capuzzi poses with Michèle LaRue, and Wendy Healey, Ventfort Hall Director.The SuSan B. anThony BirThplace MuSeuM iS a proud affiliaTe of The following organizaTionS:
This spring the Museum and Northern Berkshire Events Committee organized a Temper-ance and Prohibi-tion Trivia night at the Pine Brook Pub on Columbia Street in Adams, which once held a bathtub moon-shine operation. Young adults from Adams and the Berkshires attended, many dressed in speak-easy fashion with vests, watches, hats, and apper dresses featured across the bar. Nine teams competed, all with clever names, includ-ing “Bathtub Boozers” and “Tequila Mocking Bird.” Trivia questions were multiple choice in two categories: Prohi-bition and Temperance Nationally, and Prohi-bition and Temperance Locally. The toughest and most obscure questions were about Temperance/Prohibi-tion in the Berkshires, for which the Adams Historical Society was a great resource. The winning team got around half of the questions correct; may-be next year the hosts will scale back some of the more specic questions. The rst prize was a Pine Brook Pub gift card, and the second prize was a gift card to Home Sweet Home on Park Street. The third prize was a family membership to the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum.Unsurprisingly, they were all denied the opportunity to present their written declaration. However, after Senator Richard Henry Lee concluded his reading of the original Declaration of Independence, the women seized the moment. Anthony stepped forward, boldly read their declaration, and distributed copies of the speech to the attendees.Fitting for the commemoration of Independence Day, Museum volunteers and sta members reenacted this historic event at the Adams Town Common on July 3rd this year. Performances by Martin Loughman, Lucy Anthony Czaja, Lisa M. Avery, and Muriel Dyas delighted numerous guests, manyin surage era cos-tume. The Adams Town Common is a signicant venue, as it features a statue of Susan B. Anthony as a child reading the Quaker Values and as an adult reading the Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States, the very same speech reen-acted. The speech, like her friend Frederick Douglass’ What is the Fourth of July to the Slave, focuses on the inequality faced by women in pay, status, legal representa-tion, surage, and other concerns. Exerpts of both the Declaration of Independence and The Declaration of Rights of Women of the United States were read aloud, capturing the arguments that still resonate nearly 250 years later. In honor of Susan B. An-thony’s 204th birthday, the Museum hosted its annual birth-day celebration at the Adams Free Library in collaboration with the Adams Historical Society. With an overowing crowd, the event paid tribute to Anthony’s legacy while exploring the interconnected movements of Temperance, Pro-hibition, and Women’s Surage.Through the lens of Jack London’s perspective, Eric Anthony, Antho-ny family descendant and SBABM Board Member, introduced the event. Carol Crossed, head of the SBABM Board, provided com-mentary on a number of 19th cen-tury Prohibition and Temperance Postcards from her collection.Jack London, best known as the author of classic novels like The Call of the Wild and White Fang, also explored complex social and polit-ical issues. His semi-au-tobiographical novel, John Barleycorn (1913), reected on his personal struggles with alcohol. Using John Barleycorn— a gure borrowed from an old British folk song about the resilience of alcohol—London examined both the dangers of drinking and the ways it permeat-ed society.The afternooon featured a com-pelling reading of multiple chap-ters of John Barleycorn by lm and local theater director Ralph Hammann. Hammann brought London’s views on Temperance, his ambivalence toward Prohi-bition, and how his reections on alcohol tied into the broader social movements of the early 20th century. London’s personal conict with alcohol paralleled the growing societal concerns around Temperance and Prohibition, making his perspective a unique addition to discussions on Wom-en’s Surage and societal reform. Hammann captivated the audience immediately, drawing the attention and interest of all attendees for the length of the performance.Attendees not only celebrated Susan B. Anthony’s contributions to women’s rights but also gained new insights into the larger histor-ical context in which these move-ments unfolded. Docent Martin Loughman and Eric Anthony answered audience questions.With a full house at the Adams Free Library, “Are You a Friend of John Barleycorn? Jack Lon-don on Prohibition and Surage” proved to be both an educational and celebratory event, showcasing the connections between social justice, personal struggle, and the ght for equality.3Bootleggers & Brain TeasersProhibition trivia night at local adaMs PubTest Your Knowledge!Prohibition EditionraisE a Glass to susan!Annual Birthday Celebration Honors Temperance Special thank you to the Adams Historical Society, Adams Free Library, & Presenter Ralph Hammann1) To what organization did Susan B. Antho-ny make her rst speech? 2) Along with Susan B. Anthony, who co-founded the Woman’s State Temperance Association in NY?3) What radical member of Temperance was known as “the hatchet granny?”4) What paper did Susan publish that banned advertising products with alcohol?5) Which number amendment is the "prohibition" amendment?SuSan TakeS The STand:Adams Holds Historical Reenactment of the Declaration of Women’s RightsContinued from page 1 Volunteers dress as suragists at the July 4th reading of the Declaration of Women's Rights.Above: Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States, July 4, 1876. Credits: Susan B. Anthony Papers, Library of CongressHammann holds a stein of "beer" while playing London's John Barleycorn.The Pine Brook Pub created prohibition and SBA-inspired cocktails for the evening.
4TheReviving the Spirit of Suffrage on the RailsPrison sPECIALThe Democracy Limited: Prison Special embarked from Adams, MA this fall. This reenactment was based on the 1919 nationwide train tour titled the "Democracy Limited." Twenty-six mid-dle-class women, including Lucy Burns, dressed in prison attire and toured 15 cities across the U.S. to share their experience in prison and pro-mote surage. Citizens were appalled by what these wom-en endured. The Museum's reenactment featured Muriel Dyas as Susan B. Anthony recounting her illegal vote and arrest in 1872, and Lisa M. Avery performing as Lucy Burns recounting her experi-ence in the “Night of Terror.” The performances took place on The Berkshire Sce-nic Railway Museum’s early 20th c. passenger cars origin- tions with limited contact to the outside world, rancid food, and poor heating. In response to these conditions, women went on hunger strikes. The guards force-fed them by pumping raw eggs through tubes down their throats. This culminated with the “Night of Terror” in No-vember, 1917; when guards locked Lucy Burns’ hands to the ceiling, knocked other prisoners unconscious from beatings, and caused one woman's heart attack.The Museum's retellingnally built for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail-road. The reenactment was attended by 69 guests, lling the two train cars.The Occoquan Workhouse, where Lucy Burns and many suragists were imprisoned had notoriously bad condi-Lisa M. Avery performs as Lucy Burns on the Democracy Limited Reenactment Train.back to school with “Your Neighbor, Susan”Continued from page 1Through an interactive timeline, gender wage dis-crepancy pay, class vote, cus-tomizable protest sign, and nal hallway march, students showed their understand-ing of Susan B. Anthony's childhood, life, and legacy along with their creativity and academic joy. They were frustrated and voiced disapproval when they realized, through an activity, the way men and women were (and are still) paid unequally.One class vote concluded in a tie, with a student asking to vote again, "I would have voted 'no' if I knew it would be close!" One class greeted our reenactor with hushed reverence, with one student saying "Is that really her?" Thankfully a classmate responded, "Of course not; she'd be over 200!" This program is part of our ongoing eorts to expand educational programming beyond the walls of the Museum. Transportation accoma-dations for schools can be expensive and dicult to co-ordinate. Schools appreciate it when organizations have the exibility to bring their programming to them. The Museum is grateful to the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Williamstown Elementary teachers and sta for making this experience possible.Above: The train route of Lucy Burn's 1919 "Prison Special" tour. In the monologue, the protagonist is a ctional an-ti-suragist woman who absurdly argues against her own rights. She advocates that women should not engage in politics because it would “disrupt their domestic duties” and that women are too delicate to understand complex political issues. The brilliance of the piece lies in Howe’s use of irony as the anti-suragist speaker unwittingly reveals the irrationality of her arguments.Through Michèle LaRue’s performance, the audience was able to witness the impact of Howe’s work and the absurdity of anti-surage sentiments. This event under-scored the Museum’s commitment to engaging pro-gramming and collaboration with cultural centers while highlighting the ongoing relevance of women’s rights and social jus-tice. Michèle dressed in period attire, made the audience laugh, gasp, and cheer the entire performance.continued froM Page 2“Someone Must Wash the Dishes”Ventfort Hall generously donated an original Votes for Women tea set from the 1909 Newport Society rally.encouraged guests to vote in the upcoming election, honor-ing the sacrices women made to secure this right. The Museum thanks Berkshire Scenic Rail-way Museum for this event. Bottom: Students were asked to answer questions in ballot-format. Top: The results of that same ballot measure taken in class.Hinsdale Town Hall, NHLee LibraryDalton Free Public Library Bennington Retired Teacher Assoc.Herman Melville's ArrowheadLenox Librarysusan b. anthony returns!Reenactor Brings Suffrage Back to LifeThis year, the indomitable spirit of Susan B. Anthony has returned through the talent of reenactor Muriel Dyas, founder of Herstorically Speaking. With authenticity and dedication, Muriel embodies the famous suf-fragist, donning Anthony’s iconic red scarf and carrying a faux alligator skin purse reminiscent of Susan’s own.Muriel has performed in seven locations this year, sharing An-thony’s legacy with audiences farand wide. She even baked coee cookies from the Women’s Surage Cookbook, a historicalcollection of recipes sold to support the surage movement, oering a tasty link to history that audiences love. As a special gesture, Muriel handed out free tickets to our Museum, inspiring many attendees to make the trip to Adams for a deeper dive into Susan’s life.With more performances scheduled for next year, Muri-el’s work through Herstorically Speaking ensures that Susan B. Anthony’s story continues to inspire. Through her passion, Muriel reminds us of the sacri-ces made for equality and the progress worth celebrating today.
Stand with SuSanHelp Us Preserve, Educate, & Inspire . Every donation helps the Museum preserve the legacy of a champion wom-en's rights advocate, welcome visitors to her birthplace, support educational programs, and engage the broader com-munity in the importance of Susan's lasting impact.Carry on SuSan'S LeGaCy: Volunteer With UsJoin our dedicated team of volunteers in activites such as:• Operating the Gift Shop • Seasonal Garden Maintenance• Administrative Tasks • Children's Programming• Museum Tours• Community Outreach• Event Assistance• Collections SupportBrInG hISTory To LIfe: Intern With UsThe Birthplace oers internship opportunities year-round, ideal for students from academic backgrounds, including - Interns take part in a range of projects, gaining hands-on experience in museum operations, programming, and visitor engagement. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to info@susanbanthonybirthplace.org.Be a parT of hISTory: Join UsJoin our member community. Choose a membership that suits you:Individual $ 25Family$50Sustainer$125Each membership oers a range of benets, including free admission, discounts at our gift shop and for guest visits, special event invitations, and perks at participating NARM & ROAM Museums.Visit www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com/memberships for specic details. Your membership is important to us.wayS to GiveTo donate online via PayPal, please visit, www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com/donate, or scan the QR code to the right with your device. OnlineIn the MailOn the PhoneTo donate via mail, please make a check payable to the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum and mail it to: Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum P.O. Box 244, Adams, Massachusetts 01220To donate securely via phone, please call 413-743-7121 to arrange a donation.The Museum’s mission to share Susan B. Anthony’s story depends on the generosity of its community, and we are deeply grateful for each and every gift. Your contribution helps to inspire future generations about the pioneering suragist. Our ImpactThe Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is a 501(c)3not-for-prot organization,. All contributions are tax-deduct-ible in the U.S. WaLk In her fooTSTepS: Place A BrickHonor someone special with a personalized brick along Walking the Path with Susan, a walkway guiding visitors from the garden to the Museum. Visit susanbanthonybirthplace.com/brick-walkway to leave a lasting tribute. |Gi Shop Order FormFind unique, historic gifts with something for everyone to enjoy at the SBABM Gift Shop. For an order of one single book, enclose only a $4 shipping fee.Items will be shipped promptly upon receipt.3Ida B. Wells Barbie: Inspiring Women Series$8.49 online & in-storeVotes for Women Tea Towel$16 online & in-storeFailure is Impossible Mug$18.75 online & in-storeShe Persisted SBA19th Amendment Cap$6.99 ea online & in-storeFailure is Impossible & SBABM Ornament$37.99 online & in-storeWherever Women Gather, Failure is Impossible Crewneck$25.95 online & in-storeMarching with Aunt Susan Children's Book$9 online & in-storeVotes for Women Trinket Box$7 online & in-storeVintage Tweets: Suffrage Era Postcards by Carol Crossed$55 online & in-store156 81. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.8. 9. 10.QtyItem #TotalPrice$8.49$6.99$37.99$9.00$16.00$18.75$25.95$7.00$55.00TotalOrder Herewww.susanbanthonybirthplace.com/giftshop+ $7.99at-rate shipping, unless single media315 StudentS engaged59% attendancegrowth29MuSeuM PrograMS$35.00
Muriel Dyas rst reached out to the Mu-seum after at-tending Susan B. Anthony’s Birthplace Celebration. She was eager to help the Museum and, in conver-sation with the director, expressed her background in medieval histor-ical reenactment. Last winter, she volunteered as a docent at the Museum while preparing to reenact Susan B. Anthony for the rst time this past April. Since then, she has presented Susan B. Anthony at schools, councils of aging, and libraries throughout Massachusetts and Vermont. Her energy, selessness, and talent are invaluable to the Museum’s mission.Elizabeth Ronilo is pursuing her MA in Cultural Heritage at the American University of Rome. She is passionate about Museum work and is working on a number of projects this fall including commu-nity events, grant writing, expand-ing our social media presence, and learning Museum operations.Vo l u n t e e r SP o t l i g h tVo l u n t e e r SP o t l i g h t]6Vo l u n t e e r SP o t l i g h tTeamwork Makes Susan B. Anthony's Dream Work!From Passion to Projects2024 i n t e r n S h i P P ro g r a M h i g h l i g h t SLibby Ford (top left) returns to Washington & Lee University for her senior year after fostering connections with local business-es and laying groundwork for a future biking fundraiser."One of my favorite aspects of this internship was planning and executing the June 2024 High Tea with the Museum. It was a rewarding experience which I undertook with co-in-tern Delaney, because it was largely independent of aid from superiors. Contacting and in-teracting with local businesses was another highlight of this experience, as I was able to establish connections and rela-tionships with vendors to orga-nize future collaborations and events. Interning with the Muse-um provided valuable skills and lessons that will remain with me in my future career pursuits, as this experience truly demon-strated the inner workings of a non-profit historical museum."LIBBy fordWashington & Lee UniversityHistory & SociologDelaney Thurston (second from left) returns to UMass Amherst for her senior year, and will re-join the Susan B. Anthony Birth-place Museum team in January for a winter internship.“Interning at the Susan B. An-thony Birthplace Museum has been an unforgeable experi-ence. Not only did I gain hands-on skills in museum curation, public history, fundraising, and public engagement, but I also deepened my appreciation for the impact of Susan B. Anthony’s legacy. These skills and lessons will continue to inspire my ca-reer for years to come.”deLaney ThurSTonUniversity of Mass. - AhmerstCultural AnthropologHannah Hoggatt (third from left) returns to Xavier University for her senior year. She nalized the vintage children's chairs exhib-it, contributing storytelling and narrative insights."This internship was thrilling; being able to put my public his-tory skills to use in a new exhi-bition and also promote such an important ideology, especially during election year, was an unforgeable experience. I look forward to speaking out for women's rights, like Susan, and applying the crucial lessons I learned to my future roles."hannah hoGGaTTXavier UniverityHistoryChristina Lothrop (top right) returns to her Masters program in Library Science at the University of Arizona. She organized the Museum's collections and acces-sions, as well as contributing to exhibits, children's activities, and public outreach.ChrISTIna LoThrapUniversity of CincinaiLibrary & Information ScienceMuriel Dyas2024 i n t e r n S h i P P ro g r a M h i g h l i g h t Scollaboration & connection: Strengthening Berkshire's BondsElizabeth Ronilo Barb BozekBarb Bozek is a dedicated volunteer who helps to maintain the beautiful Museum gardens. Bozek aids Board Member Lucy Czaja in weeding, planting, watering, and trimming. The Museum has Czaja and Bozek to thank for the lucscious and vibrant Museum grounds.Each month from March – October, an Adams business sponsors a coee networking get-together in Armory Court, next to the Daily Grind on Park Street. The Museum was pleased to sponsor the nal Coee of this year on Halloween.Museum sta attended quarterly PR meetings with Berkshire organiza-tions to align messaging and enhance visitor experience. They also attend-ed entrepreneurial meetups, social gatherings, and Celebrate the Berk-shires to build connections locally.The Museum tabled at this monthly street fest from June through Septem-ber, making connections with local radio stations, schools, and residents.Participation in the annual North Adams Celebration included tabling eorts, re-engaging the visitor center and expanding the Museum’s reach.The Museum had a full booth at Thunderfest, an annual winter festi-val in Adams attended by hundreds from across Berkshire County.A recent partnership included joining the Nonprot Center of the Berk-shires, which aims to connect non-prots with each other, volunteers, board members, and more in both North and South Berkshire County.Director, James Capuzzi, joined the New England Museum Association’s New Executive Director’s group, which meets monthly on Zoom. The group has led to greater connections with Herman Melville’s Arrowhead and Mass MOCA. I enjoyed learning about Susan and her contributions to the Adams community while living and working in her home, an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.- Libby Ford
Dr. Shannon M. Risk and the History Department of Niagara University generously donated two Rightfully Hers popup displays to the Museum this past summer. Rightfully Hers is a four-panel display produced by the National Archives Foundation to tell the story of the ght and passing of the 19th Amendment, or the Susan B. Antho-ny Amendment, which gave women what was rightfully theirs: the right to vote. The Museum reached out to local libraries in Berkshire County, and was able to place the exhibit at the Adams Free Library, Berkshire Athenaeum, David & Joyce Milne Library in Williamstown and the Lenox Library. If you are interested in reserving "Rightfully Hers" for your library, mu-seum, or historical society, contact the Museum directly for further details.Seated by Interactive Children’s Exhibit Brings Quaker Life to LightSusanSeated by Susan is a special exhibit in the Museum that highlights the dierent lives and activities of children from Su-san’s time in Adams. The chairs on display, donated by Board President, Carol Crossed, span the 19th and early 20th centu-ries. Initial research on over 20 chairs was done by 2023 intern Mia Campbell, and curated with the help of Edward Kitson of Aves Appraisal prior to the exhibition. The Museum decided to display seven, each with their own story relating the chair to a ctional child from the chair’s time period. Additional exhibit work was completed in the summer of 2024 by interns Delaney Thurston, who provid-ed the initial concept, Hannah Hoggatt, who promoted and executed the exhibit launch, and Christina Lothrop. Christina researched the lives of children in the 19th century and wrote short vignettes that are dis-played above the chairs. Each vignette incorporates a vocab-ulary word that is less in use by children today like “hem,” “bobbin,” or “arithmetic.” Children visiting the Museum are encouraged to complete a scavenger hunt where they “meet” each child and write down the word and its deni-tion for a prize. One particular-ly interesting story describes the 1870 North Adams Strike, where Irish shoemakers were red and replaced with Chinese workers. This use of what is now referred to as “scab” labor was inuential in shaping U.S. Policy against Chinese immi-gration. This exhibit will remain open to the public through the end of the year. In 2025, it will transi-tion into a new exhibit incorpo-rating more antique children's chairs. Stay tuned!SuSan, The TeaCherBirthplace Hosts Teacher's Development DayIn col-laboration with Berk12, The League of Women Voters, and Herman Mel-ville’s Arrow-head, the Museum welcomed ten Berkshire County high school teachers for a tour of the Museum and workshops related to teaching about the vote to students on June 21st. During the tour, teachers were inspired by Susan B. Anthony’s commitment to Women’s Surage, and reminded of the relative recency of women’s right to vote in the US. Concerned with productive election approaches, teachers received lesson plan templates, information on local and state elections, and voting district details from Ramelle Pulitzer of the League of Women Voters. The day ended with a workshop where teachers created their own "Vote" signs, preparing to lead students in a similar activity. Teachers who completed this professional de-velopment received tickets to attend the musi-cal "Sus" on Broadway, which tells the story of the nal years before the passage of the 19th Amendment or Susan B. Anthony Amendment.Teachers crafted "Vote" signs to bring home and display.VoteVotehoNoriNg the right toSuffraGe STILL on The Move: League of Women Voters Chapter Invites Founder to Inspire the Right to VoteNational Archives'Rightfully Hers Pop-Up Becomes Mobile ExhibitUnity Through Art: Birthplace Joins Norman Rockwell's Voting ProjectThis fall, the Museum participated in the Norman Rockwell Museum’s initiative to inspire voting through art. The Unity Project, developed by the Norman Rockwell Museum and contempo-rary illustrators, showcases works that champion diversity and the right for all voices to be heard. In support, the Birthplace featured a selection of these works in newsletters and on social media, sharing in the mission to amplify every voice. Lisk Feng © 2024. All rights reserved.Shar Tui’asoa © 2024. All rights reserved.FOLLOW @SBABMUSEUM ON INSTAGRAM2024 viNtage tweets suffrage series visitsFenton History Center, NYCape May Museums, NJThe Cattaraugus Allegany County League of Women Voters, NYBennington Retired Teachers Association, VTAmenia Historical Society, NYWarsaw Historical Society, NYEllicottville Historical Society NYThis year, surage-era postcards trav-eled New York’s western and southern tiers, ttingly revisiting the birthplace of American Women’s Surage. Muse-um founder Carol Crossed shared her collection in key towns where suragists fought for the vote, including a notable presentation for the Cattaraugus-Allegany League of Women Voters in Olean, NY, where Harriot Stanton Blatch once led a torch rally. For voting season, the pro-gram was hosted at Jamestown’s Fenton History Center, home to surage leaders like Edith Ainge and Elnora Babcock. In total, eight presentations were given across the Northeast in 2024. Crossed extends her gratitude to those who attend-ed and supported the programs.Crossed presents at League of Women Voters in Olean, NY.Visit to historic site where Harriot Stanton Blatch led a Torch Rally.Crossed presents to a large group of retired teachers in Bennington, VT.HighlightsCourtesy of Jennifer Huberdeau/The Berkshire EagleVisit vintagetweetsbook.com for more details on these historical programs.
New to the GIFT SHOP!You may also order using the order form on page 5. This year, over 315 students from various schools—including BART sophomores, Mohawk Trail 4th graders, Berkshire Country Day School, homeschoolers, and a Girl Scout troop—participated in Muse-um eld trips. Each visit includes a guided tour, immersing students in Susan B. Anthony’s early life and the ght for Women’s Surage.After exploring the exhibits, students engage in hands-on activ-ities like creating surage signs, organizing mini marches, button making, and building their own Birthplace Museum. Each activity is designed to encourage students to think critically, connect with history, and reect on the values of activ-ism, equality, and perseverance that Susan championed.The Museum has enjoyed seeing students learn, create, and leave inspired. We look forward to wel-coming more groups in the future. Contact info@susanbanthonybirth-place.org to arrange a trip. I’m excited to write to you again and express my gratitude for your sup-port during my rst year as director of the Museum. I’ve enjoyed getting to know our local, national, and even international community over these past months, and am inspired by your commitment to the Museum and its mission.This past year I’ve seen the Museum grow in all areas; from attendance to programming and public outreach to school, community organizations, and the greater public. The Museum saw a 59% boost in tour and pro-gram attendance.We collaborated with local organiza-tions to put on twenty-nine programs in total. These programs ranged from lectures and debates to trivia and reenactment. We welcomed ve undergraduate and graduate student interns and three new volunteers. Finally, we were able to reach over three hundred students with school presentations and eld trips.Your generosity and giving makes all that we do possible, and I am thankful to have your investment and sup-port. As we continue to develop our programming, improve the house and grounds, and share Susan B. Anthony’s inspiring life and values to people in the Berkshires and beyond, I ask that you continue to support us with a gift this year. At the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum your gift has a real impact on elementary, middle and high school students, college students, and adults as they engage with Susan B. Anthony’s legacy of social reform.I encourage you to visit the Museum for a tour or attend one of our events to see for yourself the impact and importance of bringing history to life at the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum.Sincerely,James Capuzzi, Executive Director@SUSANBANTHONYBIRTHPLACEMuseumB | A , One Woman Political Satire Monologue at Ventfort HallT B E |F , Susan B. Anthony Birthday Observance@SBABIRTHPLACE1. The Daughter’s of Temperance2. Elizabeth Cady Stanton3. Carrie Nation4. The Revolution5. 18th AmendmentA Note from the DirectorSBABM BUZZT B E | A , Exhibit at Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum Aims to Engage Younger ChildrenB: L C |A , Made by HistoryB | J , Anthony Birthplace Museum Hosts Tea Party, Poetry ReadingT | M , How to Celebrate International Women's Month: A Conversation with Susan B. Anthony BirthplaceA Sample of SBABM Media features in 2024STAY CONNECTED T B E |J e Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum – Upcoming EventsTrivia Question AnswersFor exact days and hours, visit the website belowwww.susanbanthonybirthplace.orgT B E | A , Bits & Bytes: Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum Children’s exhibitT B E |M , Community organizations come together for Shakespeare & Company UPCOMING EVENTSCOMING IN 2025To reCIeve neWS on upCoMInG evenTS and WayS To GeT InvoLved, SIGn up for The MuSeuM'S e-neWSLeTTer By vISITInG www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com/newsleersFEB Susan's 204th Birthday Celebration Featuring a special presentation by Anthony Family Descendants MAR Expanded Chair ExhibitMAY Surage Tea Exhibit Monthly High Tea, May - SeptemberJUL Declaration of the Rights of Women ReenactmentSBABM Board of Directorsengaging the next generation: Field Trips to Susan B. Anthony’s RootsBART students hold surage signs during trip.book of the year: Pity for EvilSuffrage, Abortion, & Women's Empowerment in Reconstruction Americaby : Monica kleM & Madeleine Mcdowell.$35$35 online & in-storeonline & in-storePublished in 2023, Pity for Evil explores how early women’s rights advocates viewed abortion. Informed by their abolitionist roots which condemned ownership of human beings, suragists believed both legal prohibi-tions and supporting women in need was required. With deep compassion, these advocates worked to lift women up, oering practical and moral support to help them regain control of their lives. The book also highlights the networks and institutions they built, shedding light on a little-known chapter of the women’s rights movement.