The community of Rochester, N.Y., the home of women’s suffrage pioneer Susan B. Anthony, has undertaken special preparations to mark election day in 2016.
As millions of Americans prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, it is shocking to consider that as recent as 100 years ago, women did not have the right to vote in this country. Suffragists, such as Susan B. Anthony, spent their entire life’s work devoted to the cause of equality for all and a woman’s right to vote. In fact, in 1872 Susan B. Anthony, along with 14 other Rochester-area women, illegally cast a ballot in that year’s presidential election. Anthony would go on to be arrested in the front parlor of her home for that crime.
For those looking to honor Susan B. Anthony’s legacy this election day and beyond, Visit Rochester recommends the following activities:
- Visit the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, a historic landmark in Rochester, N.Y., preserving the legacy of Susan B. Anthony and her life-long struggle for equal rights and voting rights for women. Tours of the historic home and museum will be offered on election day from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for $5. Visit susanbanthonyhouse.org for more information.
- Pay your respects at Susan B. Anthony’s gravesite in Rochester’s Mount Hope Cemetery. It has become a rite of passage for visitors to place their “I Voted” stickers on Anthony’s grave, and this year the cemetery will extend its hours on Election Day to accommodate visitors who have voted. In addition, the City of Rochester will place poster boards at Anthony’s gravesite for visitors to leave the stickers on. Visitors are also welcome to leave yellow roses – a symbol of the suffragist movement – at the gravesite.
- Take your picture with Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Walk to a nearby park from the Susan B. Anthony House and take your photo with the Let’s Have Tea statue, depicting Anthony and her close friend Frederick Douglass having tea.
- Enjoy a coffee or lunch at the spot where Susan B. Anthony voted (illegally) in 1872. What was a polling place in Susan B. Anthony’s day is now a café, appropriately named 1872 Café. The café takes great pride in its role in U.S. history and the interior is decorated with portraits and quotes from inspiring women throughout history.
Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you fall on, one thing is clear. If she were alive today, Susan B. Anthony would implore that you vote.
For more information on Susan B. Anthony and the legacy of women’s right in Rochester, N.Y., please visit: http://www.visitrochester.com/things-to-do/womens-heritage-rights/
ABOUT VISIT ROCHESTER
Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Greater Rochester and Monroe County. Visit Rochester is a membership organization with over 400 members representing, lodging, retail, restaurants, services, and community organizations. Working together with our members and partners, we strive to provide the best experience to all visitors to our community, including both business and leisure travelers.