Aug. 25, 2020
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – On Wednesday night, Aug. 26, 2020, the Culture Center, located on the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, will light up the west side of the building at dusk in purple and gold in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which secured women’s constitutional right to vote.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History is participating in this unique public art project spearheaded by the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC), and along with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the WSCC is launching a nationwide campaign called Forward into Light, to honor the historic suffrage slogan, “Forward through the Darkness, Forward into Light.” Through this campaign, artists are encouraged to express themselves in the official suffrage colors of purple and gold and for landmark buildings such as theaters, libraries, museums as well as city halls across the country to change their lights to purple and gold.
Light refreshments will be served in the Great Hall of the Culture Center at 3 p.m. following a virtual ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Mac Warner and broadcasted live (Facebook.com/wvsos) from the Governor’s Office at 2 p.m. The ceremony will include a special presentation about the history of women’s suffrage in West Virginia and the presentation of a proclamation commemorating the anniversary. Visitors to the Culture Center can also see a panel exhibit on women’s suffrage and the 19th amendment. The West Virginia Archives and History also features an online exhibit titled Fighting the Long Fight: West Virginia Women and the Right to Vote here http://www.wvculture.org/history/exhibitsonline/suffrage/suffrageintroductiontoc.html
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The right to vote existed in some places in the ancient world, but for much of human history, the majority of people have been excluded from participation in the political process.
www.wvculture.org |
The Culture Center is free and open to the public and is following guidelines in accordance with best practices from the WV DHHR and CDC. All visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering and will have their temperature taken upon entry. All visitors will also be asked to fill out the West Virginia State Visitor Covid-19 Screening Form. Visitors should follow social distancing guidelines at all times. For more information, call (304) 558-0220.
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