In celebration of the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution—which granted women the right to vote—New Jersey museums and educational institutions around the state are presenting special discussion panels, exhibits and events to explore the places and leaders involved in this important time in history. Spend the day out at one of these special events, and also enjoy food and beverages at a nearby restaurant with these mini itineraries.
A Gathering of Givers: Elevating and Empowering Women’s Voices
March 6, 2020
Newark
At the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, listen to a diverse array of powerful female voices as they strive to inspire others and elevate the community in celebration of International Women’s Day—it’s been a whole century since women first won the right to vote.
>Eat Nearby: Fill up on upscale comfort food served with artful flair at Marcus B & P Newark, where the lunch menu touts tasty options like rock shrimp and grits, fried chicken & pumpkin WAFFLE and the sandwich of the day.
Women’s History Month Observance
March 7, 2020
Neptune
Presented by the Central Jersey Club of NANBPWC, this celebration at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center will recognize and honor the African American women who fought for the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
>Eat Nearby: After the event, head to the award-winning Local Smoke BBQ restaurant in Neptune. Fill up on hush puppies, and try the slow-smoked pulled pork or beef brisket, sandwich, or order a BBQ platters which includes cornbread and your choice of two sides (over 10 to choose from).
International Women’s Day Celebration
March 8, 2020
Haledon
Hear distinguished speakers, join a brief women’s empowerment march and view exhibits about union women and women’s suffrage at this event at the American Labor Museum.
>Eat Nearby: After the event, enjoy a pint of craft beer and gourmet pub food—think ahi tuna tacos, Angus beef fajita wraps, juicy steaks and fancy burgers—at The Shepherd & The Knucklehead Pub in Haledon.
Suffrage Then, Voting Now: Women’s Ongoing Struggle for Equality
March 9, 2020
Newark
At the Paul Robeson Campus Center at Rutgers University, attend this panel that examines the struggle women have undergone, from winning the right to vote in 1920 to reaching governmental representation today.
>Eat Nearby: Beforehand, get your morning started at Black Swan Espresso, where Intelligentsia and Propeller beans are used to make specialty coffee drinks, and freshly made pastries and doughnuts make for a great on-the-go bite.
New Jersey Suffrage: Its Many Faces
March 14, 2020
Moorestown
Join the Alice Paul Institute for a panel discussion discussing the efforts of African American and Jewish women, as well as their families, who helped shape the local movement for equal rights.
>Eat Nearby: Do brunch before the event at Turning Point of Moorestown, where you can indulge in specialty hot chocolates and coffee drinks, as well as delectable breakfast dishes such as a salted caramel waffle, lemon blueberry pancakes and cornbread French toast.
Susan B. Anthony: “Failure is Impossible”
March 21, 2020
Bayville
At the Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library, “meet” famous activist Susan B. Anthony as represented by the American Historical Theater of Philadelphia and learn all about her life through this interactive theatrical performance.
>Eat Nearby: Drop into Buon Appetito, a cornerstone Italian restaurant and salumeria in Bayville. Choose from one of the 25 pizzas on the menu from a classic margherita to vodka pizza or the grandma pizza with thin crust, along with many entrée and sub sandwich option.
A Dialogue with Dorothy Butler Gilliam
March 29, 2020
Trenton
Attend a dialogue and book signing with the first African American woman reporter at the Washington Post at this event held at the Village Charter School by the Ivy League Educational Foundation, Inc. Admission includes a copy of “Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look More Like America.”
>Eat Nearby: Enjoy a great brunch at Revere in Ewing Township, which menu includes chicken and waffles, bread pudding French toast, Trenton benedict (includes pork roll) and specialty drinks.
"Votes for Women: New Jersey and Beyond"
Ongoing
Ocean
Visit the Township of Ocean Historical Museum, housed in the historic Eden Woolley House, where you’ll find this temporary exhibit in the Richmond Gallery, exploring the role of suffragettes in the fight for equal voting rights.
>Eat Nearby: Just a few minutes away, stop in before go to savor the organic plant based menu from Seed to Sprout Bakery in Ocean. Have a fresh made bagels or make it into a sandwich, and grab a homemade mini Bundt cake and cupcakes.
“Radical Women: Fighting for Power and the Vote in New Jersey!”
Ongoing
Newark
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, this exhibit on the third-floor gallery of the Newark Public Library celebrates the New Jersey women who challenged social and legal restrictions to ensure equal rights for all.
Panel: "The Battle Over Women's Suffrage in Newark" March 11, 2020 from 6 - 8 pm.
>Eat Nearby: Just a few minutes away, fill up on hearty noodle dishes, fresh sushi and flavorful side dishes (think gyoza dumplings and edamame) at Ramen Gami.
Need even more inspiration?
Follow the NJ Women’s Heritage Trail any time of year to learn about the lives and stories of New Jersey’s remarkable women throughout history—from Civil War nurse Clara Barton to suffragist leader Alice Paul to pioneering aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh—at locations throughout the state.
