Oneida Public Library

Curious minds interested in Upstate New York’s colorful history of women’s rights reform are invited to participate in a Humanities New York reading and discussion program called Votes for Women, starting with an introduction on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:00 p.m. and meeting in four weekly sessions thereafter on Thursdays at the same time, Oct. 19-Nov. 16, at Oneida Public Library.

Led by Dr. Tom Murray, OPL’s assistant director, discussions over the four sessions will focus on three history texts and one novel, copies of which are provided by Humanities NY.

Votes for Women, part of the OPL’s centenary celebration of women’s suffrage in New York State, will follow the course of the women’s rights movement in the state, from the watershed convocation of women activists at Seneca Falls in 1848 through the 70 years of struggle until passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Along the way, particularly among Upstaters like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a “woman’s rights” were defined and redefined as the movement grew and met increasing opposition.

The books selected for discussion are: “Seneca Falls and the Origins of the Women’s Rights Movement” by Sally McMillen; “Elizabeth Cady Stanton: An American Life” by Lori Ginzberg; Marge Piercy’s “Sex Wars: A Novel of Gilded Age New York”: and selections from “Votes for Women: The Struggle for Suffrage Revisited,” a collection of essays reflecting new historical scholarship.

The seminar-like program is limited to 15 participants. Those interested should sign up at the OPL Circulation Desk, 220 Broad St., and request copies of the readings. For more information, contact Tom Murray at the library by calling (315) 363-3050.

By martha

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.