“Century of Action” Commemorates the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote

Portland, May 31st. The “Centry of Action” organization held a special celebration to launch their statewide educational programs commemorating the 100th anniversary of Oregon woman suffrage. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus) The event, held at the Oregon Historical Society on Southwest Park, also featured suffrage songs by Glencoe Elementary Students.

Emerge Oregon alumnae and board members (left to right): Kellie Garlock Pierson, Nova Newcomer(OWHC Board), Donna Maddux (OWHC Board), Wanda Davis, Elizabeth Ballard, Sunny Petit, Amy Edwards, Stephanie Vardavas

Emerge Oregon alumnae and board members: Kellie Garlock Pierson, Nova Newcomer (OWHC Board), Donna Maddux (OWHC Board), Wanda Davis, Elizabeth Ballard, Sunny Petit, Amy Edwards, and Stephanie Vardavas.

Century of Action: Oregon Women Vote, 1912–2012 is a project of the Oregon Women’s History Consortium (OWHC), a new organization formed to lead the centennial celebration of woman suffrage and to promote women’s history beyond 2012. As a small organization, the Consortium’s board members also serve as the steering committee for Century of Action. Century of Action is also advised by several Oregon women leaders.

Hon. Barbara Roberts with student singers from Glencoe Elementary School who gave a rousing rendition of a pro-suffrage song.

Janice Dilg (Century of Action Program Director and OWHC Board) and Liz Paulus (A Suffragist Player)

Dr. Sue Armitage was honored for her work advancing the history of women in the American West.

Nova Newcomer (OWHC Board) and Hon. Barbara Roberts

It took 42 years and 5 unsuccessful campaigns before Oregon men voted to give women the vote in 1912. One hundred years later, the Oregon Women’s History Consortium is leading the effort to mark the centennial and highlight the accomplishments of Oregon women.

For more information about the program, contact “Centry of Action”.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.