CONCORD – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs New Hampshire will commemorate and honor the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26 in front of the New Hampshire State House, 107 N. Main Street, Concord.

Invited guests include Gov. Chris Sununu, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas.

Masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced as much as possible. Period costumes are encouraged; many GFWC New Hampshire members are planning to dress as suffragists.

GFWC New Hampshire formed a committee last year to plan year-long activities to celebrate the centennial of the 19th amendment, Votes for Women. Plans were underway until COVID-19 put a halt to all preparations. Despite these unprecedented times, GFWC New Hampshire still wishes to acknowledge and honor the work of the suffragists in some way an outdoor gathering for brief remarks and then photographs outside the State House became the solution.

Club members will gather at 1:30 p.m. for photos beginning at 2 p.m. There will be brief remarks, followed by additional photo opportunities.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a non-partisan, non-denominational, international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Founded in 1890, GFWC clubwomen positively impact their communities throughout the United States and the world by “Living the Volunteer Spirit.” With nearly 80,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding. (from GFWC.org)

“Many important women associated with the GFWC had long been leaders in the suffrage movement, including Frances Willard, the head of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and Julia Ward Howe, the famous author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic…. On June 14, 1914, the GFWC approved a resolution stating, “The General Federation of Women’s Clubs give the cause of political equality for men and women its moral support by recording its earnest belief in the principle of political equality regardless of sex.” (excerpt from Patricia Miller). In Tennessee on August 18, 1920, State Representative Harry T. Burn listened to his mother, a GFWC clubwoman, and voted for suffrage, switching from wearing a red rose (anti-suffrage movement) to a yellow rose, indicating support, and by one vote, Tennessee became the 36th and last state needed for ratification. New Hampshire voted to ratify the 19th Amendment on Sept. 10, 1919.

GFWC New Hampshire has 22 local clubs and is a member of the GFWC New England Region.

Jeanne O’Sullivan is the current president. Her Board includes the executive committee, district directors and state chairmen. Each club is active within its own community. In addition, state projects have included: support Stand Down For NH Homeless Veterans, support for passage of the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2019, Donations of Snack Packs for School Nurses, Gold Sponsor of NAMI NH (National Alliance of Mental Illness) National Day of Hope Walk, among others.

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