Pa. commemorates anniversary of women's vote with document display

One hundred years ago this month, on June 24, 1919, Pennsylvania became the seventh state to ratify the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

As part of Monday’s 100th anniversary commemoration of that event, Pennsylvania’s document ratifying the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The document and other historical records on loan from the Pennsylvania State Archives will be available for public viewing during a special celebration. Those attending are encouraged to wear suffragist white.

The public will have the opportunity to “ratify” copies of the 19th Amendment by adding their signatures, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

“We are pleased to share with the public these historic documents as we celebrate the commonwealth’s role in achieving women’s suffrage,” said Kathy Boockvar, acting Secretary of State. “Pennsylvania helped lead the way with its early ratification vote.”

More than a year later, on Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment. That met the requirement that three-fourths of the nation’s then-48 states approve an amendment before it could become law.