One hundred years ago, on July 21, 1923, women’s rights activist Alice Paul first proposed the Equal Rights Amendment. One hundred years later there is still no constitutional right to equality for women. Barbara Cray’s documentary film “Votes for Women: The History of Women’s Suffrage Through Song,” (award winner for Best Historical Film from the Toronto International Women Film Festival) captures the heroic efforts of women over a hundred years ago through the rousing songs of the suffrage movement, telling their story through historical segments narrated by Nancy Giles of CBS Sunday Morning, and illustrated with archival images and video from the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and other sources. The historic songs were recorded in January 2020 at a performance of the Portland choral group ‘Women in Harmony,’ held in recognition of the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the constitutional right to vote.

 

Immediately following the film screening, a panel of distinguished women, who play important roles in leadership here in the state of Maine, will take the stage to share their knowledge and insights. Joining filmmaker Barbara Cray will be Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine’s 50th Secretary of State and most importantly, the first female Maine Secretary of State. Shenna is serving her first two-year term having been sworn in on Jan. 4, 2021. Also in attendance will be Labor Commissioner Laura A. Fortman, who is responsible for labor standards enforcement, employment and training programs, unemployment insurance, labor market information, and vocational rehabilitation services. Laura was also inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 2007; Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby, Destie Hohman Sprague will be in attendance to share her knowledge and passion for organizational infrastructure, policies, and practices which reflect anti-oppression and feminist values. And from Maine Youth for Climate Justice and Maine Youth Action, we welcome Audrey Hufnagel, an incoming senior at Lincoln Academy who advocates for climate justice, holding leadership roles with several youth-led climate organizations.

 

Following the event, all attendees are invited to join filmmaker Barbara Cray for a post-event gathering. Dress in suffrage white, or women’s rights colors of purple and gold, or dress as your favorite female leader.  After the film screening and panel discussion, we’ll plan to parade down Main St. to Veterans Park in Newcastle for a sing-along of suffrage and women’s rights songs and a bring your own picnic in the park.

 

“Votes For Women” is both delightfully entertaining and compelling, reminding us of the struggle and sacrifice that gave us the freedoms we enjoy today, and of the unfinished business for a ‘more equal union’ that has been bequeathed to our generation.

 

Tickets: $10 general admission, are available in advance online and will be available for purchase at the door beginning 30 minutes before showtime. Fifty percent of all ticket sales will be donated to the “Girls Day at the Statehouse” program.

 

Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta. More information is available through the theater’s website at LincolnTheater.net or by contacting the theater office by email at info@LincolnTheater.net or by phone at 207-563-3424.