‘Votes for Delaware Women’ author to discuss women’s suffrage Feb. 10
Professor Emerita of History and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Delaware Dr. Anne Boylan will discuss her groundbreaking new book “Votes for Delaware Women” during a hybrid in-person/online event at 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Lewes Public Library.
“Votes for Delaware Women” is the first book-length study of the women’s suffrage struggle in Delaware. It traces how, starting in the 1890s, both white and African American women organized and advocated for votes for women. Boylan examines why, despite decades of suffrage organizing and an epic struggle in Dover, the Legislature ultimately refused to make Delaware the final state to ratify the 19th Amendment in spring 1920. Boylan argues that a combination of racial and class issues (particularly political leaders' worries about how African American women might vote), partisan bitterness, concerns over taxation and schooling in a segregated state, and legislative gerrymandering doomed the ratification effort.
Boylan will be in conversation with Dr. Marlene A. Saunders, former chair of the Department of Social Work at Delaware State University and co-vice chair of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice. Following the discussion, audience members will be able to participate in a question-and-answer session with Boylan and Saunders.
This event is presented by the League of Women Voters of Delaware; League of Women Voters of Sussex County, Delaware; Delaware Humanities; the Lewes Public Library; and Browseabout Books. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/VotesForDEWomen. At registration, participants will be asked to select virtual or in-person attendance.
"In celebration of our 102nd anniversary, the League of Women Voters of Delaware is honored to welcome distinguished historian Dr. Anne Boylan and social justice leader Dr. Marlene A. Saunders for this conversation about Delaware women and the franchise," said Gwendolyn Miller, president of the League of Women Voters of Delaware. "Delaware’s unique story of women’s fight for the vote comes to life in Dr. Boylan’s comprehensive, detailed and riveting new book. Bring your questions as we learn from two incredible Delaware women leaders about achievements and challenges in the quest for the vote for themselves, for us, and for the generations to come."
The evening will conclude with a book signing by Boylan for those attending in person. Participants are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books, which will be selling books at the event. Orders may be placed online at browseaboutbooks.com, by calling the store at 302-226-2665, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Each copy comes with a signed archival bookplate.
Boylan’s research and writing encompass women’s history, social and cultural history, voluntary associations, religion and historical memory. As the author of four books and numerous scholarly articles, she has received fellowships and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Radcliffe Institute, the American Historical Association, the Hagley Museum and Library, and the University of Delaware. She recently served as a consulting historian for the Congressional Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission.
