Celebrate ‘Women’s Equality Day’ with film screening, exhibit opening, traditional crafts

Norwich, N.Y. – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will host the museum’s annual “Women’s Equality Day” program on Aug. 26. The evening celebrates Haudenosaunee culture and its impact on American women securing the right to vote 106 years ago. From 6:30–8 p.m., experience local Haudenosaunee heritage and learn how early suffragettes were inspired by the matriarchal leadership within these indigenous communities. Gain a deeper understanding of how this relationship directly influenced the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The evening features a film screening of the “Hidden Roots of Democracy.” Part of the groundbreaking five-part PBS series “Rematriated Voices with Michelle Schenandoah,” the screening includes opportunities for community dialogue to explore how Haudenosaunee governance influenced modern democracy and women’s rights.

The exhibition “Recognizing Women’s Right to Vote in New York State” will be unveiled in The Loomis Barn. Curated by the South Central Regional Library Council, this exhibit explores the nearly 70-year-long suffrage movement leading to New York women winning the right to vote on Nov. 6, 1917.

Doris Wilkins, a cultural preservationist and dedicated member of the Wolf Clan within the Oneida Indian Nation, will host interactive traditional craft demonstrations. As cultural programs coordinator at the Shako:wi Cultural Center, Wilkins educates others about contemporary Haudenosaunee life, stressing firsthand cultural experiences to share knowledge and foster understanding.

“Some of us might remember learning about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in school and how its system of governance directly influenced the U.S. Constitution,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “American women have a voice in our nation’s decision-making today, and this celebration provides an opportunity to honor the incredible gift of inspiration that the Haudenosaunee offered the early suffragettes.”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum programs.

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Caption: Celebrate “Women’s Equality Day” with a community film screening, an exhibition opening, and traditional crafts from 6:30–8 p.m. at the Chenango County Historical Society. The evening will explore Haudenosaunee heritage and its impact on the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

About CCHS: The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) explores the culture of Chenango County–its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories–through preservation and presentation of local heritage.