"We Stand on Their Shoulders": A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting

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"It is coming as the harvest follows the patient."

The traveling display "We Stand on Their Shoulders": A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders. Covering the ratification of the 19th Amendment, 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Act, 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, and 1965 Voting Rights Act, the eight-panel display shares the important story of women's quest for political rights and recognition through quotes, photographs, and a timeline of events.

This display is available to schools, public libraries, historical societies and civic organizations in Wisconsin.

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Portrait of Theodora Youmans (Mrs. Henry), President of the Wisconsin Woman Suffrage Association, holding a Wisconsin flag and standing in front of a painted backdrop

Theodora Youmans, c. 1916 (WHI 1927)

Background

We Stand on Their Shoulders tells the story of Wisconsin women's struggle for political rights with an in-depth timeline and reproductions of 21 historic photographs and documents. The display is most suitable for secondary schools and the general public.

View the complete contents of each panel.

A teacher resource toolkit to share suffrage history in the classroom is also available (see below).

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Display Details

4 freestanding, double-sided poly fabric banners, 39" x 87", on retractable banner stands

180 sq. ft.

$100, plus transport

Two copies of the display are available for rental from the Wisconsin Historical Society, both based in Madison. Renters are responsible for arranging transport to and from their venue; in some cases, venues may be able to make arrangements with preceding or following venues if scheduling allows.

Proceeds from traveling exhibit rentals support the Society's ongoing outreach programs and activities.

An additional copy of the display is available for rental to groups in the Fox Cities at the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton. For more information, please visit the Castle's website.

Up to 4 weeks. Venues may schedule the display for more than 4 weeks for an additional fee.