Libraries Offering Women’s History Month Screening & Panel

In honor of Women’s History Month, Ohio University Libraries is collaborating with WOUB Public Media to host a screening of the documentary “Let Ohio Women Vote,” on March 17 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring librarians and faculty women from University. Both parts of the event will take place in the Friends Room (319) on the third floor of Alden Library and online through Zoom.  

“Let Ohio Women Vote” details the history of the fight for women’s suffrage in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Woman Suffrage Association used the phrase “Let Ohio Women Vote” as a slogan and logo from 1912-1917; the suffragists sent letters and postcards with the logo all over the state to campaign for their right to participate in elections. 

It wasn’t until the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 that states were banned from denying the right to vote to U.S. citizens on the basis of sex, which gave many women the right to vote. The documentary points out how the fight for women’s suffrage in Ohio was an important part of the larger movement to give women the right to vote in the United States.

After the documentary screening, a panel discussion will be held between Dr. Carey Snyder, English professor and director of undergraduate studies; Dr. Katherine Jellison, a professor in history; Dr. Pamela Kaylor, associate professor of instruction; and Dr. Miriam Intrator, special collections librarian. 

The panel will talk about the film and how it ties to each of their disciplines. Many connections can be made to the fight for women’s suffrage in the state of Ohio because the movement created many unpredictable alliances and had strong connections to national events. 

lorraine wochna, subject librarian for the performing arts, English and African American studies, is the coordinator of the event. She said that the film and panel will likely interest those who study history, politics, literature or women’s studies, and anyone with an interest in Ohio history, women’s rights and women’s history will find it appealing. 

The screening of “Let Ohio Women Vote” and subsequent panel are free and open to the public. Join us in person at Alden Library or register to join us online through Zoom. 

For more information about the event, contact lorraine wochna. To request accessibility accommodations, contact Jen Harvey, library events coordinator.