Susan B. Anthony Returns to Cooperstown in June
On February 9, 1855, Cooperstown area residents gathered at the First Presbyterian Church to hear suffragist Susan B. Anthony speak. A little more than a month before, Miss Anthony had embarked on a tour of New York. The particular goal of her journey in the midst of perilous winter weather was to gain sufficient signatures to petition the New York Legislature for a law to secure woman’s right to own property.
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area has invited “Susan B. Anthony,” to return to Cooperstown to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On Saturday, June 27, from 2-4 pm, Miss Anthony, as portrayed by historic re-enactor Linda McKenney, will return to Cooperstown and the First Presbyterian Church to once again address local citizens.
The League invites everyone to gather on the lawn outside of the chapel to await the arrival of Miss Anthony at 2 p.m., and stay to hear her message supporting democracy for all. Along with the Susan B. Anthony presentation, an exhibit of Christine Heller’s “Women Vote!: Fifteen New York State Suffragists” will be on display in the chapel. Heller will also speak briefly about “Women Vote!”
Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was one of the preeminent leaders of the woman’s suffrage movement. With her colleague Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she fought not only for the right of women to vote, but also for their right to share the rights that men had—to live freely in society, to control their own finances, and to have an education. Although born in Adams, Massachusetts, she lived much of her life in Upstate New York and taught at a female academy in a Canajoharie.
“As we celebrate this 250th anniversary, what an experience it will be to hear from someone in the past speaking at this historic place, where she appeared 171 years ago,” says Laura Wetzel, co-president, of the League. “We will be reminded not only of the importance of this place, the oldest church in Cooperstown, and this individual, a crusader for women’s rights, but also of the length of this struggle and the persistence of this crusader.”
Ashley Hopkins-Benton, Senior Historian and Curator, Social History, New York State Museum; Pastor Jessica D. Lambert and Associate Pastor Faith E. Gay, First Presbyterian Church; and Cynthia Falk, Deputy Mayor of Cooperstown, will be among those welcoming “Miss Anthony,” as she returns to Cooperstown.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Green Toad Bookstore will be onsite offering many pertinent books for sale. The Village Library of Cooperstown will provide a book display to support the theme and promote the event.
