Comments from Superintendent Cynthia Macleod
Ringing in 100 Years of Votes for Women Justice Bell 19th Amendment
It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to Independence National Historical Park. I would like to acknowledge that we stand on land that belonged to the Lenape Nation well before it became land hallowed by the United States of America. For those of you joining us on Facebook Live, we want to thank you for inviting us into your homes and offices, your world. We have gathered here today to recognize a powerful moment in American history - when women – and the Women’s Liberty Bell – made their voices heard on this spot, 100 years ago, today.
We stand in the shadow of Independence Hall. People like you and me have gathered here for generations to remember the founding of the nation. People like us - have spoken aloud their truths and petitions. Sometimes they spoke in protest; sometimes in celebration. Women fighting for the right to vote gathered on this honored ground at numerous times through the years. In 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed here with the words, “All men are created equal,” women were not part of the “all.” On July 4, 1876 – the nation’s one hundredth birthday - women still were not part of the all and had no universal right to vote. Some women saw this place and that time as perfect for pressing for women’s suffrage. Among others, Susan B. Anthony came here decrying the ongoing "taxation without representation." Anthony was an uninvited guest to the stage for the Centennial ceremony – a protestor. Not welcome on this side of Independence Hall, she persisted by going to the other side with her message to the public. She read aloud the “Declaration of the Rights of Women of the United States.”
A generation later, in 1911, Alice Paul brought her open-air campaign for women’s suffrage to Philadelphia to culminate in a rally right here on Independence Square. Paul described that scene saying that “…the whole Square was filled with people.” Alice Paul recognized the power of this very place, choosing it purposely, for as she said, “the great traditions of Independence Square.”
And, now, the is story that I most want to share with you today. On September 25, 1920– that’s 100 years ago today…a powerful, symbolic moment happened right here for women’s suffrage. It was the first ringing of the Women’s Liberty Bell, or Justice Bell. If you don’t know this tale, it’s just amazing. Katharine Ruschenberger, an enterprising Pennsylvanian, had created a replica of the Liberty Bell in 1915. This symbol of the women's suffrage movement had an additional message to “Establish Justice.” Perhaps most powerful is that the clapper on the Justice Bell was fastened motionless, to represent the muzzled political voice of women. This bell would remain silent as long as the political voice of women remained silent. After the 19thAmendment to the United States Constitution extended voting rights to many women, people gathered – you guessed it – right here to unchain the clapper on the Justice Bell. On this day in 1920, the Square was filled with suffragists and politicians gathered to celebrate the Justice Bell’s first sounds, to celebrate the adoption of the 19thAmendment to the United States Constitution. We are delighted that the Justice Bell has returned to this historic spot for this 100th anniversary.
The work of Katharine Ruschenberger and the other suffragists laid the groundwork for more opportunities for women. But, not necessarily all women. The struggle for women of color continued long past the unchaining of the Justice Bell. It’s the perseverance of ALL these women who have inspired me, personally, in my own life. I think of their dedication and persistence often exhibited in the face of overwhelming obstacles. I stand here today on the shoulders of giants.
Please take a moment to think of a woman in your own life who doesn’t give up…who inspires you to make the world a better place for all – if you want to chose Ruth Bader Ginsberg, lying in state in the US Capitol, that’s fine. If you are thinking of Ona Judge who self-emancipated from slavery in President Washington’s household, that’s fine. Or, If you want to hold close in your mind your own mother or grandmother, that’s fine. The inspiration from resilient women is what matters today.
Thank you, and now I’d like to introduce Maria Bomersbach from the Washington Memorial Heritage. We are grateful to the Chapel and the foundation for loaning us the Justice Bell on such a momentous occasion and to Maria herself for being a wonderful partner.
Cynthia MacLeod
Superintendent
Independence National Historical Park
