NJ Women Vote: The 19th Amendment at 100
This multi-faceted programming initiative, launched in 2020, marks 100 years of women’s suffrage in the United States. To prepare for NJ Women Vote, the New Jersey Historical Commission, in collaboration with the Alice Paul Institute, has gathered over 70 partners across New Jersey, representing history and cultural organizations, women’s groups, government agencies, libraries, and higher education institutions. Together, partners have planned a yearlong series of events, programs, and projects across the state to mark the centennial. The New Brunswick Free Public Library is proud to be part of this statewide program.
NBFPL Virtual Exhibit
The Women Who Shaped New Brunswick: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment 1920-2020
View this presentation to learn about women in New Brunswick, past and present, who have made a significant contribution to the city, its residents, and the Women's Rights Movement.
NBFPL Virtual Events
Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Central Role in the Fight for Women Suffrage
Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 1:30 p.m.
Carol Simon Levin, a professional storyteller and independent historian who specializes in telling the stories of “fascinating women history forgot”, led this program. She told the story of Lillian Feickert, president of the NJ Woman Suffrage Association from 1912-1920, and explored the overlooked role of New Jersey in the long frustrating fight for women’s suffrage.
View the recording of this program here.
This program is made possible by grant funding provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. Program funded in part by a grant to Middlesex County by the New Jersey Historical Commission.
Bicycles and Their Impact on the Women’s Suffrage Movement
Monday, September 21, 2020, at 7 p.m.
This program was led by Michael Gabriele, author of multiple books on NJ history, including The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey. He discussed how bicycles allowed Suffragettes to spread the word on Women’s Rights.
A recording of this program is not yet available. Please email librarian Jackie Oshman at
This program is made possible by grant funding provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. Program funded in part by a grant to Middlesex County by the New Jersey Historical Commission.
Make a Women's Suffrage Sash with Pam Brooks in our "Virtual Makerspace"
Friday, November 13, 2020, at 6 p.m.
Participants of this program created a sash with the traditional colors of the (American) National Woman’s Party -- purple, white and gold -- with virtual instruction from our volunteer sewing expert Pam Brooks. The program was free and open to the general public; material kits were provided via contactless pick-up. View photos from this program in our Flickr album here.
This program is made possible by grant funding provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. Program funded in part by a grant to Middlesex County by the New Jersey Historical Commission.
Make a Women's Suffrage Rosette with Pam Brooks in our "Virtual Makerspace"
Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 3 p.m.
Participants of this program created a "Votes for Women" rosette pin to celebrate women's right to vote. The program was free and open to the general public; material kits were provided via contactless pick-up. View photos from this program in our Flickr album here. Please email librarian Hsien-min Chen at
This program is made possible by grant funding provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. Program funded in part by a grant to Middlesex County by the New Jersey Historical Commission.