Photo Credits: Center bottom Petaluma suffragist is Abigail Goodwin Haskell, photo courtesy of Ann Nisson. From top center clockwise: Barnabus Haskell, photo courtesy of Ann Nisson; Freeman Parker, photo courtesy of Bancroft Library; Alma Parker Hynes Walls, photo courtesy of Janet Talamantes; Anna Morrison Reed, photo courtesy of CA State Library; William Randall Wells, photo courtesy of Sonoma County Library; Nellie Denman, photo courtesy of Sonoma County Library; and Isabelle Grigsby St. John Denman, photo courtesy of the PHL&M.
Video Recording of Suffrage Exhibit Dedication
Please visit our Video Page for a complete listing of our Suffrage Videos
The Petaluma Museum Association is commemorating the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment by hosting a suffrage exhibit to be on display at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum between August 26 and November 8. The exhibit will be dedicated to Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey and Mayor Helen Putnam, and a special event in their honor is scheduled for August 26, “Women’s Equality Day.”
Plans for the exhibit began in March 2019 when Katherine J. Rinehart, in her position as Manager of the Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library and as Chair of the Sonoma County Heritage Network, issued a clarion call to all Sonoma County historical institutions encouraging them to commemorate the Suffrage Centennial. Inspired by her message, Paula Freund reached out to Katherine, and, together as committed co-curators, they submitted an exhibit proposal to the PMA after discovering that Petaluma’s suffrage history was indeed very rich.
One of the most significant finds was an 1886 reference in Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Matilda Joslyn Gage’s History of Woman’s Suffrage to five Petalumans who formed a suffrage organization in 1869. Thanks to John Sheehy’s research, these early pioneer suffragists will be featured in the exhibit. The leader of these five suffragists was Abigail Goodwin Haskell. Abigail’s descendant, Ann Nisson, graciously offered insightful information about her great-great-grandmother and committed to loan valuable artifacts for the exhibit.
While searching at the California State Archives in Sacramento for the original copy of an 1870 suffrage petition signed by 424 Petalumans, a forgotten suffrage petition, created and signed exclusively by Petalumans in 1878, was uncovered. The analysis of these documents has provided valuable information and will be on display with portraits of many petition signers. Research also revealed that many prominent national suffrage leaders spoke in Petaluma between 1870 and 1911. They will be featured, and the story of their connection to the Petaluma community will be told.
The exhibit will also include artifacts loaned from the exceptional suffrage collection of San Franciscan, Chase Livingston, and a selection of postcards from the extensive collection of Lauren Thor.
Please note that although entrance to the PHL&M may be restricted, the exhibit will be on display digitally thanks to the generosity and skill of Wayne Dunbar and Kaye Chandler. Check back often for updates, or visit Facebook: @petalumamuseum for updates.
A Gallery Tour of Petaluma’s Suffrage Exhibit
The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum ’s fall 2020 exhibit, Petaluma’s Participation in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, A Commemoration of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment is presented in an informal gallery tour by curator, Paula Freund. With newly discovered artifacts and documents from Petaluma’s past, the exhibit tells the inspiring story of a California community’s contribution to women winning the right to vote.
A Transcription of Abigail Goodwin Haskell’s 1870 Handwritten Address to the California State Legislature Assembly Committee
Created by Michael Slade
Link to: Abigail Goodwin Haskell’s 1870 Address / Transcription
In 2021, Ann Nisson donated to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum a handwritten address composed in 1870 by her great-great-grandmother, Abigail Goodwin Haskell (1820-1884), (Accession #2021-887-01). Due to the difficulty of reading Haskell’s cursive script, Michael Slade created the above printscript transcription. Haskell’s address is a primary document of great significance to the history of the women’s suffrage movement in California. She was the President of the California Women’s Suffrage Association, and her address was a defense of the CWSA’s 1870 petition for Women’s right to vote.
The Unsufferable Senator Sanford
THE UNSUFFERABLE SENATOR SANFORD from Petaluma Historical Museum on Vimeo.
THE UNSUFFERABLE SENATOR SANFORD is a “pseudo-radio play” written by Santa Rosa Historian Jeff Elliott about California State Senator J. B. Sanford, the loudest voice opposing suffrage in 1911. We hear the noted windbag deliver portions of his infamous speech against women’s rights and imagine a debate between him and Santa Rosa suffragist, attorney Frances McG. Martin.
Please visit http://santarosahistory.com/wordpress/ for more information on the historic research behind the making of this great video.
Women’s Suffrage & Prohibition – The Good, the Bad, and the Unintended
Join local historian John Sheehy as he discusses what happened when high-minded morality clashed with the unsavory world of politics and human behavior in Petaluma.
Sponsored by the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum in conjunction with Petaluma History Room of the Public Library, this presentation is part of the Museum’s current exhibit, Petaluma’s Participation in the Women’s Suffrage. John Sheehy is the author of On a River Winding Home: Stories and Visions of the Petaluma River Watershed.
Petaluma Readers Theatre Presents: 19th – The Journey to Ratification
50,000 Mice: The Selina Solomons Story
50000 Mice, The Selina Solomons Story from Petaluma Historical Museum on Vimeo.
A new play written and performed by Jessica Litwak honoring one of the great San Francisco suffragists.
Lydia – Alexa Jordan
Joaquina – Kirsten Kammermeyer
Visit our Events Page for more information about the Play and Jessica’s Biography
“A Conversation Among Petaluman Suffragists”
Performed by
Petalumans of Yesteryear
Led by Narrator Homer Johnstone, you will hear an informal, non- scripted discussion among the Petalumans of Yesteryear of the historic figures they are planning to portray in the upcoming presentation about the Suffrage movement in Petaluma. The conversation includes personal insights and historic background. You will delight in the way members have felt a personal connection to their historic counterparts in this project!
The Petalumans of Yesteryear
Our costumed members assume the personalities of prominent early Petaluma citizens, to share the story of our fascinating town in personalized, authentic and genuinely fun way. In fact, you’ve probably seen us in period garb, leading tours in our beautiful historic downtown, or participating in civic ceremonies.
Download a PDF Copy of Suffrage Centennial Events
Also, don’t miss the Petaluma Arts Center Exhibit:
DEEDS: ART AS ACTION
Inspired by the motto of the Suffragist movement, “Deeds not Words” and by the vital social change that resulted 100 years ago, Petaluma Arts Center is proud to present this mobilization of artistry and community.