Just in time for Women’s History Month in March, famed women’s rights pioneer Elizabeth Cady Stanton “visits” the Rock Island Public Library in the guise of performer Laura Keyes.
Laura Keyes, of Historic Voices, presents an informative and inspiring first-person portrayal of Mrs. Stanton at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 16, at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. We’ll hear from Mrs. Stanton in 1866, when the Civil War was over, but the battle for Women’s Suffrage was just beginning. The performance is free and open to the public.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for equal rights for women for more than fifty years, and upon her death in 1902 she left behind a legacy of her crusade for female equality, along with writings that would inspire feminists for a century to come.
The topic is especially timely, as 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, where women earned the right to vote.
Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies, and is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters. Laura recently won the Excellence in Performing Award from that Association. She has been portraying historic women since 2008.
The event also complements a new exhibit at the Putnam Museum, “Liberated Voices / Changed Lives.” The exhibit explores the local roots of the women’s suffrage movement from the perspective of Quad City women and men from 1900 to 1920. It opens Saturday, March 7.
For more details about Rock Island Public Library events and services, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ. Rock Island Library events are also listed on Facebook and at the free Burbio website and app.