In 2020, the United States will celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, often called the “Susan B. Anthony Amendment,” and the Anthony Museum partners in local, regional, and national celebrations.
Update: Public Art Exhibition
UNDERPIN AND OVERCOAT
Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and SewGreen Rochester present a new public art installation celebrating the major women’s rights anniversaries being celebrated this year. “Underpin and Overcoat,” by artists Amelia Toelke and Andrea Miller explores the idea of jewelry as signage, which wearers adorn for both themselves and for others. Inspired by the objects Suffragists often made—such as pins, ribbons, sashes, and medals—“Underpin and Overcoat” gives greater presence to jewelry and wearable objects that are tools for protest, action, and identity-formation.
This public installation takes the form of oversized buttons that are proportionally scaled to ornament several Rochester buildings. Incorporating expressions, icons, sayings, and slogan, these buttons will be affixed to several building facades between Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Ave.) and the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House (17 Madison St.), Sew Green (438 West Main St.). “Underpin and Overcoat” aims to unify the public, inspire action, bring joy, and create a space for viewers to insert their own messages and ideals. The work aims to help us discuss opposing views, ask questions, and find commonality in shared sentiments. During this critical political season, “Underpin and Overcoat” enlarges the intersection of jewelry, political history, and social justice on the streets—much as the Suffragists did themselves.
The artists also invited local artists and organizations to contribute designs for some of the buttons to provide a platform for additional voices. Contributors include Amanda Chestnut, Tania Day, Stephen Dorobiala/Thievin’ Stephen, Erica Jae, Abiose Spriggs, and the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan.
In partnership with SewGreen Rochester, Christ Church, and Susan B Anthony Museum and House, RoCo will host an artist talk and Sash Memorial workshop on Saturday, July 25. Inspired by the iconic “Votes for Women” sashes worn by Suffragists from 1850 – 1920, the artists, Sew Green staff, and other collaborators invite all community members to create their own, contemporary versions of this historic piece of political ephemera. All are welcome, especially those with little sewing experience. Sashes made at this event will be collected and exhibited in the artists’ larger exhibition, Worn.
Update 7-24-2020
The public art installation by artists Amelia Toelke and Andrea Miller is now on display outside 19 Madison Street, the Anthony Museum Visitor Center!
Kicking off 2020 was the Rose Bowl Parade, televised nationally New Year’s Day, featuring a Suffrage Centennial float with hundreds marching behind, including representatives from the Anthony Museum and other groups from the Finger Lakes Region.
In February, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) performed a series of suffrage-themed concerts, beginning with the January 30 & February 1 presentation of Women’s Suffrage: Past + Present. Ward Stare conducts the world premiere of a new work by an emerging female composer. Plus, playwright Mark Mobley created a new theatrical work setting the stories of strong Rochester women, past and present, to music. For RPO’s page on this production, click here.
On February 6 & 8, the RPO presented the opera “The Mother of Us All,” the groundbreaking 1947 collaboration between Gertrude Stein and Virgil Thomson that chronicles Susan B. Anthony’s work for the 19th Amendment. For RPO’s page on this production, click here.
The Anthony Museum’s 2020 Quilt Project was exhibited at the New York State History Museum in Albany in March for Women’s History Month. The NYS History Museum is currently closed but here is their virtual tour of the exhibit.
The Anthony Museum sees this anniversary as an opportunity to explore the history and progress of voting rights. Anthony Museum projects such as Votercade 2020, the Suffragist City Parade, the Susan B. Anthony’s 200th Birthday Celebration, and partner events add to the celebration of the 19th Amendment centennial!