In partnership with the Scarsdale Public Library, the Scarsdale Historical Society has opened a new women’s suffrage exhibit in the library’s local history center. The exhibit presents new artifacts, findings, photographs that were uncovered during the production of the Historical Society’s new documentary, “Women Rising: The Scarsdale Suffragists.”

The exhibit explores the little-known stories of the courageous women behind the suffrage movement in Scarsdale and how their work shaped the community. It features trailblazers like Florence Bethell (of 2 Bethel Road) who lectured, wrote, marched and lobbied for women’s right to vote – at a village, state and national level. In the face of apathetic and sometimes hostile attitudes toward woman suffrage, the women used creative approaches to educate Scarsdale women on suffrage – from porch parties to suffrage dances. 

There’s a display case featuring women’s suffrage artifacts, including many museum-quality items on loan from Historical Society trustee and collection-builder, Seth Kaller. The true showpiece is the original minutes book of the Scarsdale Equal Suffrage Club from 1914-1918. Most of the book contains handwritten minutes by Scarsdale suffragist Josephine Winslow (of 3 Winslow Place). The notes speak of fundraising campaigns, local views toward suffrage, and correspondence with renowned suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt. Scarsdale Library has scanned and transcribed the entire notebook so that anyone can view it online. 

“Our new film and the accompanying exhibit both capture the spirit, bravery and resilience of the Scarsdale Suffragists,” stated Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. “Their crusade was a pivotal step in the continued battle for equal women’s rights and suffrage.”

The women’s suffrage exhibit will be on display through the month of January. Links to the documentary film and scanned Scarsdale Equal Suffrage Club minutes book can be found at: bit.ly/scarsdale-suffs.

About the Scarsdale Historical Society — The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.

About the Library — The mission of the Scarsdale Public Library is to encourage the joy of reading, the exploration of ideas, and the pursuit of lifelong learning for the children and adults of our community. To learn more about the Library and the latest program and services available, visit scarsdalelibrary.org.