Introduction

This document breaks down how the League was developed and formed on a local and national level by famed suffragette, Carrie Chapman Catt (b.1859-d.1947). Bulletin No. 55, 1919

Participant as Carrie Chapman Catt in the Women's Suffrage Memorial March, 1995. League Members in Period Costume for the Women's Suffrage Memorial March, 1995

An article in opposition of a national amendment supporting the vote for women. Citing that suffrage is a violation of government sovereignty. Tell the Truth!, 1920

League of Women Voters: The Legacy of Suffrage is an exhibit that explores the perspective of the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City Records and celebrates the legacy of women since obtaining the vote a century ago. This exhibit highlights the centennial of women's suffrage and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the creation of the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City. It would be impossible to acknowledge any anniversary or legacy without first recognizing the history of early suffragists and their subsequent evolution to the more active suffragettes. Following the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment on August 26, 1920, the women's suffrage movement had achieved its goal. What came next? 

Origins of the League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters grew from the women's suffrage movement in 1919 parallel to the Nineteenth Amendment, as seen in Bulletin No. 55 by Carrie Chapman Catt (b.1859 - d.1947). The bulletin cites the breakdown of how the national, state, and local Leagues would, "present their own programs, having the common sense to connect their work to suffrage, where it belongs at every meeting..."[1]. Within the archive can be found a brochure for the 95th Birthday Celebration of the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City. In it there is a brief history of the Maryland League founder Madeleine Lemoyne Ellicott (b.1856-d.1945) and the Baltimore City League founder Sadie Crockin (b.1879-d.1965). Mrs. Crockin and Mrs. Ellicott are significant within the Baltimore City League's history due to the major roles they play in leading the League during the Depression and World War II in Baltimore. Their efforts shaped the Baltimore City League, just as Carrie Chapman Catt's shaped the National League. This digital exhibition seeks to communicate how the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City has devoted itself to the citizens of Baltimore, Maryland through various women-led events, initiatives, and programs benefitting the city, its people, and its heritage. 

Evolution of the League

The Baltimore City League of Women Voters has taken on the legacy of their founding members and expanded it. The League has broadened their message of political information and voters rights over the years, and they continue hosting political debates alongside community lectures. The League has participated in local coalitions and initiatives in Baltimore such as the Women's Fair. They also support local and international initiatives benefitting women and underserved communities. The significance of the League of Women Voters can be felt in the city of Baltimore on a multitude of scales, from the fight for the women's vote in the 1920s to the fight for the War on Poverty in the 1970s to issues today. In 1922, the League hosted a conference on Women's Suffrage which attracted international attention. In the 1940s and 1950s, the League was one of the first to encourage early voter registration in schools. Following the Baltimore Riots of 1968, the League sponsored a community report evaluating how the city and police could better engage with the public. They have supported, opposed, and advocated for and against local policies that effected Baltimore City such as the proposed construction of expressways in Baltimore during the 1970s.

Not the actions of lace-gloved debutantes with an affliction for politics, these are the original community organizers seeking change and taking action through legislation and the spread of information. Throughout their history, the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City has striven continuously to evolve and engage on an international level combatting climate change and fighting for education. In 1920 with the help of Mrs. Crockin and Mrs. Ellicott the Baltimore City League of Women Voters evolved from a suffrage organization to a full-fledged community action organization. They advocated for more informed and consequently a more engaged citizen. In 2020, celebrating their centennial the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City continues to affect change and follow their mission, "The League of Women Voters of Baltimore City is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy." [2]