Library of Congress/Unsplash
Tuesday, August 18 marks the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women across America the right to vote.
To commemorate this monumental day in history, the city will be hosting a variety of events both in-person and online. From digital performances to socially-distant afternoon teas, here are a few ways to celebrate the women's suffrage movement in Music City.
Suffrage High Tea Series
The Hermitage Hotel, Every Thursday through Sunday
Join the historic Hermitage Hotel every Thursday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for tea and a history lesson on women's suffrage. The cost is $60 per person (exclusive of a 24% service charge and applicable tax) and includes a selection of loose tea and French Press coffee, light bites, and a 30-minute presentation from Anne Dallas Dudley or Hotel Historian Tom Vickstrom. thehermitagehotel.com
Uncle Nearest Toast to Women
The Hermitage Hotel, August 17
Join The Hermitage Hotel and Uncle Nearest as they toast the trailblazing women of the suffrage movement. The evening will begin with a ladies-only toast in the Oak Bar followed by a three-course dinner with cocktail pairings from Uncle Nearest. Eventbrite.com
The Yellow Rose Tea
The Hermitage Hotel, August 17
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, The Hermitage Hotel is hosting an Afternoon Tea the day before the historic vote. The tea will mimic afternoon tea from 1920 including recipes for tea sandwiches and desserts from The Women Suffrage Cook Book published by Mrs. Hattie A. Burr. Eventbrite.com
The Yellow Rose Supper and Panel Discussion
The Hermitage Hotel, August 18
Join The Hermitage Hotel for a socially-distant supper and panel discussion in their lobby on August 18 at 6 p.m. Guests will gather for the unveiling of the Anne Dallas Dudley rug in the lobby. Dinner will include chilled cuts, vegetables fresh from the garden at Glen Leven, appetizers and wine.The panel discussion will include a lively dialogue on women's suffrage, some stories about what was happening at the hotel during that time, and what The Hermitage Hotel's role was for the six weeks preceding the historic vote. Eventbrite.com
Cheers to 100 Years!
Tennessee Brew Works, August 16
Tennessee Brew Works, The Hermitage Hotel, and the Official Committee of the State of Tennessee Woman Suffrage Centennial are celebrating the historical ratification of the 19th Amendment 100 years ago with a special event called Cheers to 100 Years! and the release of their Persistence Peach Ale. The event begins at 11 a.m. with the release of Persistence Peach Ale followed by live music all day long. tnbrew.com
Monumental Women Exhibit
LeQuire Gallery, Available through December 19
Just in time for the centennial year of women's suffrage, Elizabeth Cave, director at LeQuire Gallery has curated an exhibit that focuses on portraits of strong women throughout history. The exhibit will take place now through December 19, and will feature more than a dozen of Alan LeQuire suffrage portraits including Ida B. Wells, Carrie Chapman Catt, J. Frankie Pierce, and Anne Dallas Dudley. lequiregallery.com
Digital Performance of 72 Steps
Online, August 18
Inspired by Tennessee's vital role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Nashville Ballet will share a digital presentation of Gina Patterson's 72 Steps on Tuesday, August 18. 72 Steps will be available to stream for free through the generous sponsor support of the League of Women Voters of Nashville. nashvilleballet.com
Walls for Women
Nashville (multiple locations), August 6-August 18
Wisteria Maiden by Juuri painted in downtown Tullahoma.
California-based winery Cycles Gladiator is honoring 100 years of women's suffrage by co-funding the creation of 10 original murals across different communities in Tennessee. The murals project is inspired by the fight for women's suffrage and will be on display in Nashville from August 6 through August 18. dma-events.com
Her Flag: A Suffrage Celebration
Online, August 18
Join TPAC on August 18 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a live look-in via Zoom as artist and activist Marilyn Artus sews the final stripe of her nationwide Her Flag art project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. As Artus completes the project in War Memorial Auditorium, TPAC’s Kristin Horsley will lead a discussion about the long fight for women’s voting rights and where it stands 100 years later. Horsley will be joined by Debbie Gould, Andrea Blackman, Rebecca Price, and Tennessee artist Higgins Bond to celebrate the completion and final reveal of Artus’ project. tpac.org
Virtual Screening of One Vote: Woman Suffrage in the South
Online, August 18
Nashville Public Television has partnered with the Tennessee State Museum and Nashville Public Library to host an online screening and discussion of NPT’s By One Vote: Woman Suffrage in the South. NPT’s screening event will take place on the ITVS OVEE screening platform. Participants may RSVP or join the screening at ovee.itvs.org and will be able to share opinions and questions during the event. ovee.itvs.org
Live from Nashville: Song Suffragettes
The Listening Room Café, Every Monday
Every Monday night throughout the year, The Listening Room Café hosts Song Suffragettes, a songwriters round featuring various female songwriters. In honor of the centennial year of women's suffrage, the venue is celebrating the entire month of August with some big named acts including Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, and Runaway June. listeningroomcafe.com
Votes for Women: The Legacy of the 19th Amendment
Online, August 18
Join the Nashville Public Library's celebration of inclusion, inspiration, and voice, featuring special guest Rosanne Cash. This virtual experience will culminate with neighbors, universities, and other institutions citywide ringing bells, big and small. In 1920, when the Tennessee Legislature cast its tie-breaking vote to ratify the 19th Amendment, cities across the U.S. rang bells in recognition — but Nashville did not. On August 18, they will break that silence with the loudest celebration of the summer. library.nashville.org