“Curbside” Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage

Reading, PA – The nonpartisan Berks Women’s History Alliance (BWHA) has announced a drive-through celebration of the 100^th year anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in America.  The event, scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. (rain or shine) on Women’s Equality Day August 26, 2020, will be held at the Berks History Center parking lot located next to the Berks History Center’s Henry Janssen Library at 160 Spring St., 19601.

All are welcome to drive-through and pick up a free 100^th Women’s Suffrage Anniversary commemorative tote bag filled with information and items celebrating this historic milestone.  One of the items inside the bag will be a video showcasing local suffragist reenactors who will be on hand to meet people and distribute the bags.  The video also will air at 9:00p.m. that night, August 26, on BCTV.

All interested individuals and institutions are welcome to attend the outdoor, curbside celebration and receive a tote bag. Quantities are limited; one free tote bag per vehicle. Keeping with current state guidelines, everyone is asked to maintain social distance and wear masks.

“I’m proud that the creative and determined members of the Berks Women’s History Alliance refused to allow the COVID-19 crisis to destroy our plans to acknowledge the 100^th Anniversary of Women earning the right to vote in America,” said Penny Guido, one of the leaders of the Berks Women’s History Alliance. “Our curbside celebration may be a bit unorthodox but it offers the public a safe way to participate and learn about the 72-year fight for women’s right to vote.”

The Berks Women’s History Alliance canceled the Berks Suffrage 2020 Centennial Dinner originally planned for August 26 due to concerns regarding the health and safety of attendees due to concerns around COVID-19.

In anticipation of the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in America, a group of nonprofits, educational institutions and individuals formed the Berks Women’s History Alliance to provide a framework for Berks County’s celebration of 100 years of women having the right to vote.

Under the banner The Berks Suffrage 2020 Centennial, the Alliance promotes activities and exhibits of its member groups, encourages widespread community participation, and provides networking opportunities for interested organizations and individuals.

To learn more about Women’s Suffrage and The Berks Suffrage 2020 Centennial go to www.berkssuffrage2020centennial.org. Also you can check out the women’s suffrage articles on our face book page at: www.facebook.com/BerksWHA.