Learn about struggle for women's suffrage in Illinois at Sept. 19 program

The St. Charles Public Library and St. Charles History Museum will host "Casting a Historic Vote: Suffrage in Illinois" from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Carnegie Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

Join Illinois Road Scholar Jeanne Schultz Angel for a free presentation on the historic suffrage movement in Illinois.

Prior to 1920, women were denied the vote in the majority of elections in the United States.

The struggle for enfranchisement began with the birth of our nation and was strategized differently in local, state, and federal elections.

Despite what people today believe to be a straightforward goal, the path to women's suffrage was infused with sexism and racism. It triggered a fear of feminism whose roots are still seen today.

While wealthy women advocates played a vital role in the suffrage movement, they were not the only ones seeking enfranchisement. From attorney Ellen Martin, the first woman to vote in Illinois, to Ida B. Wells, a woman who did not let racism stop her voice, women's suffrage has been a battle hard fought by a diverse group of activists in Illinois.

This event is presented as part of Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Bureau.

Space is limited. Registration is required. Visit scpld.libnet.info/events to sign up.