Interpreting the Legacy of Women's Suffrage at Museums and Historic Sites is an invaluable guide for public historians and site practitioners who are responsible for interpretation and education. The book begins with an expanded chronology linking suffrage to the broader national history of voting rights in America. This section brings to light more information on not only well known players such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but also examines the crossover and interactions between the abolition and temperance movements, and also lays the groundwork for sites to explore an expanded and thoughtful narrative that will inspire a shared dialog leaving room for new ideas and perspectives around diversity, intersectionality, and equality. A series of case studies and in depth interviews with practitioners share practical examples of women's history sites who embarked on the challenging task of reexamining their historical interpretation through a 21st Century lens with a focus of addressing the racial bias within. These also showcase highly effective interpretation methods, exhibits, and public programs that can be models for best practices, and replicated at other sites that plan to offer programs around the rich content of the Centennial of Suffrage. A guide to Facilitation and Discussion methods around difficult topics will also offer practitioner's guidance and resources on how to navigate through the politically divisive rhetoric and strike the right tone for individual historic sites, museums, and communities.
Page Harrington is the past executive director of the National Woman's Party at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument (formerly Sewall-Belmont House & Museum). Harrington had direct responsibility over all operations, staff, and administration as well as oversight of historic property and archival collection of 30,000 pieces. During her tenure she curated exhibits and guided collection staff and interns on maintenance and conservation of the nationally recognized archive of suffrage artifacts, photographs, textiles, and rare books. She created partnerships with nationally and internationally noted academic scholars and universities that allowed NWP to expand education programs connecting historical content to current political and social topical issues for women today. This included active collaboration with national philanthropic and educational partners including Kettering Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, Library of Congress, and National Archive Foundation to explore 21st century methods of engaging public around American history themes.
