History of First in the Nation Suffrage Celebration South St. Paul

How First in the Nation Suffrage Celebration Got Started

While getting ready for a Women's Equality Day event in 2014, Madeline Hansen stumbled across a newspaper article from 1920 reporting on the very first American women to vote in an election under the newly ratified 19th Amendment.  The election took place on August 27th, 1920 in South St. Paul, Minnesota.  As a community organizer, Women's Suffrage enthusiast, and a Minnesotan, Madeline wanted to know more!  After doing a bit of research, she decided to take a field trip to South St. Paul to find out how the community celebrated their famous foremothers.   Surprised to learn no such public commemoration existed, she sprang into action.  

Let's throw a party and feed people with education and cake!

First in the Nation Suffrage Celebration was born on August 27, 2016 when members of the South St. Paul community gathered to learn about their city's role in Women's Suffrage History.  The City of South St. Paul graciously offered the use of its council chambers for the event.  

During a multimedia presentation entitled "From Seneca Falls to South St. Paul", community members learned about the hard work performed by millions of Suffrage Activists across the United States leading to the morning of August 27, 1920 when South St. Paul women became the first American females to vote under the 19th Amendment.  The historic moment happened during a special election regarding an $85,000 water bond--just hours after the amendment was signed into the U.S. Constitution.  

We've Been Celebrating America's First 19th Amendment Voters Since 2016

How First in the Nation Suffrage Celebration Got Started

Let's throw a party and feed people with education and cake!

Pass the Torch Award

Now about that cake . . .