What is Women’s Equality Day?

At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 and passed in 1973, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.

Celebrate Women's Equality Day at the Lorton Prison Museum!

Join us for a special afternoon honoring the courageous suffragists who paved the way for women's right to vote. Women's Equality Day commemorates the hard-won victory of activists like Lucy Burns and the dedicated members of the National Woman's Party, who fought tirelessly for this fundamental right.

At the Lorton Prison Museum, our Lucy Burns Gallery proudly stands as a tribute to their unwavering spirit. We invite you to delve into our captivating galleries and discover the compelling story of the suffrage movement, including the powerful accounts of NWP members imprisoned right here at the Occoquan Workhouse.

Special Guest & Activities

Enhance your experience with a unique opportunity to engage with author and professor emeritus Alice Reagan, who will be on-site in our galleries to answer your questions and share her insights into this pivotal moment in history. Plus, we'll have free suffrage crafts available, offering a fun and educational activity for all ages!

Don't miss this chance to connect with history and celebrate the legacy of these remarkable women.