GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Langenheim Memorial Library at Thiel College is hosting a new pop-up exhibition from the National Archives, Rightfully Hers, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment through the entire Fall 2020 semester.
Rightfully Hers contains simple messages exploring the history of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, women’s voting rights before and after the 19th, and its impact today. Despite decades of marches, petitions, and public debate to enshrine a woman’s right to vote in the Constitution, the 19th Amendment—while an enormous milestone—did not grant voting rights for all. The challenges of its passage reverberate to the ongoing fight for gender equity today.
Director of the Dietrich Honors Institute and Associate Professor of History Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. and Reference Librarian for Information Services Tressa Snyder, M.L.S. worked in tandem by contacting the National Archives and procured the exhibit to display in the library.
“I am pleased that we can mark this occasion on Thiel’s campus and participate in celebrations that are happening all over the country,” Nowinski said.
The exhibit is on the first floor of the library. A book display created by Synder accompanies the pop-up.
“The ratification of the 19th Amendment was a landmark moment in American history that dramatically changed the electorate, and although it enshrined in the U.S. Constitution fuller citizenship for women many remained unable to vote,” Rightfully Hers co-curator Jennifer N. Johnson said.
Rightfully Hers is organized by the National Archives and Records Administration. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the National Archives has launched a nationwide initiative and major exhibition that explores the generations-long fight for universal woman suffrage.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.