Newark History: The Battle over Women’s Suffrage in Newark

The Newark History Society’s next program, “The Battle over Women’s Suffrage in Newark,” will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00pm in Centennial Hall at the Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street.

A century ago, Newark was at the center of suffrage activity in New Jersey. The state’s major suffrage organizations, The New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association and the Women’s Political Union, were both headquartered on Halsey Street. A diverse group of Newark women comprised some of New Jersey’s most active suffragists, including WPU founder Mina Van Winkle, Jewish immigrant Augusta Parsonnet, and African American entrepreneur Blanche Harris. Noelle Lorraine Williams, graduate student at Rutgers-Newark, will discuss the often-hidden role of African American and immigrant women suffragists in the fight for the vote.

 Newark was also the center of the anti-suffrage movement in New Jersey, led by Democratic political boss James Nugent and the city’s breweries and liquor industry, which feared that women voters would bring in prohibition. George Robb, professor of history at William Paterson University, will discuss this active opposition to women’s suffrage.
This program is open to the public at no charge, with light refreshments. Free parking at the Bears & Eagles Stadium Parking Garage (entrance on Bridge Street). 

Please RSVP by March 9 by replying to this email (NewarkHistorySoc@gmail.com) or by calling 917.254.5028.