The Columbus Museum, Historic Columbus Partner to Recognize Columbus as Birthplace of Georgia’s Women’s Suffrage Movement
Historic marker unveiling and dedication, discussion, will take place virtually
COLUMBUS, GA., Aug. 20, 2020 -- The yearlong celebration of the centennial of the 19th Amendment continues with the unveiling of the city's newest historical marker to commemorate Columbus as the birthplace of the women's suffrage movement in Georgia, as well as a discussion of local and regional political activism over the past 100 years.
Hosted jointly by Historic Columbus and The Columbus Museum, the free online event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, which is the date the 19th Amendment was officially adopted, as well as Women's Equality Day. Attendees can join via Zoom or watch from Facebook Live. The marker is located on the 10th Street side of the Columbus Consolidated Government Center.
Historic Columbus originally scheduled an-person dedication of the marker in March, but those plans were canceled due to the pandemic. An exhibition currently on view at the Museum called And So She Did: Women of the Chattahoochee Valley, organized by Curator of History Rebecca Bush, highlights the stories of H. Augusta Howard and other pioneering women in regional politics. The two organizations thought it would be fitting to host a joint program on the subject.
"Historic Columbus is excited to partner with The Columbus Museum to dedicate the Women's Suffrage Marker and to celebrate the history of the movement in Columbus," said Elizabeth Walden, Executive Director of Historic Columbus. "The story of Augusta Howard and her perseverance for women's rights is inspiring to us all."
The program will begin with a discussion between Bush and Sylvia Marshall, a former Museum intern who worked on the And So She Did exhibition, followed by the dedication and unveiling of the historical marker by Walden and Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin.
"We've joined forces this summer to ensure this important milestone is commemorated as we celebrate the ratification and adoption of the 19th Amendment in August 1920," Bush said. "We'll be talking about Columbus' role in the women's suffrage movement, how women have leveraged their political power over the last 100 years, and the historical questions that are still unanswered.”
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About Historic Columbus
Founded in June 1966, the Historic Columbus Foundation (HCF) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Its mission is to promote historic preservation, heritage education, and heritage tourism in Columbus, the seat of Muscogee County. HCF has an active board of directors and an advisory board of trustees, a growing membership of more than 1,500, and a full-time professional staff. It is an advocate for preservation through representation on numerous boards, such as the city's Uptown Facade Board; Historic Chattahoochee Commission; Uptown Columbus, Incorporated; Board of Historic and Architectural Review; "Ma" Rainey House board; Historic Linwood Foundation; Port Columbus; Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce; Columbus Archives and History Center; and Columbus Housing Initiative. HCF is a local partner in a coalition with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
About The Columbus Museum
Founded in 1953, The Columbus Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeast and is unique for its dual concentration on American art and regional history, displayed in its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and educational programs. Today, The Columbus Museum’s dedicated board and staff continue its legacy as a cultural center. In partnership with the Muscogee County School District, the Museum seeks to educate and inspire with a variety of exhibitions and programs.
MEDIA CONTACT
Bridgette Russell
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
The Columbus Museum
E: brussell@columbusmuseum.com
Ph.: 706.748.2562 ext. 5410
