2020 marks the centennial of women’s suffrage in the United States. To honor this landmark anniversary, the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites and The William G. Pomeroy Foundation have partnered to launch a new historic marker program commemorating historically significant people, places or things instrumental to women in gaining the right to vote in 1920.
Historic markers awarded through the program will become part of the National Votes for Women Trail, which is run through the NCWHS and documents the campaign for women’s suffrage that took place over more than seven decades and was conducted in parlors, churches, town halls, parks, union halls, and other community locations.
The Frontenac Museum is thrilled to announce that the 8 Homer St. home of Zobedia Alleman, an ardent Union Springs suffragette, has been selected to receive one of these historical markers. Only 250 of these makers will be placed across the United States. Alleman was an activist, advocate, spokesperson and leader in this successful county, state and ultimately national effort. She participated in many of these grass roots efforts tirelessly traveling upstate New York speaking at various WCTU, Political Equality Clubs and Grange meetings and questioning the lack of women’s rights in such areas as serving as jurors. Her campaigning resulted in the successful passage of resolutions in support of suffrage by these organizations.
The Frontenac is grateful to the National Collaborative Women’s History Site, the Pomeroy Foundation and homeowner Sarah VanOrman for recognizing the significance of Mrs. Alleman’s remarkable efforts and contributions to win women the right to vote. A dedication ceremony for the monument will be held later this spring.