The Windham Textile & History Museum will hold their annual Labor Day event. So swim at the beach, have your picnic and then come celebrate and commemorate our fore fathers and mothers who sacrificed much for the rights that we enjoy today. This years theme will be a re-enactment or public history event that will feature the historic Suffragists Silent Sentinel of 1917 to 1919. The event will be held on Monday, September 2, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Willimantic Museum.
The Silent Sentinel started in 1917 when women picketed the White House in Washington, D.C. They stood daily with signs and banners to get the attention of President Wilson and the Congress to act on votes for women. Some of the women were arrested and imprisoned though they were exercising their first amendment rights to assemble. The protest lasted for two and a half years until finally Congress passed the 19th amendment. The re-enactment should last about 90 minutes.
The Mill Museum will hold a series of events related to the woman’s suffrage movement which is celebrating 100 years in 2020. The movement lasted 72 years before the amendment for women to vote finally passed in Congress and was ratified by 2/3 of the United States. Starting in February 2020 the Museum will present an exhibit: Unleashing the Vote, Unlacing the Corset. 100 Years of Changes in Women’s Lives.
The Labor Day Protest is an annual museum event featuring mission related labor history. In previous years the museum has re-enacted the 1911 Willimantic Strike; 1902 Coal Strike; Mother Jones March of the Mill Children; 1925 Willimantic Strike; and the Luddites who protested automation which would impact and eliminate their livelihoods.
Meet at the Museum and participate or observe. If possible wear costumes (long skirts) and hats. The museum has some pins and sashes. Male roles include supporters, hecklers, press reporters and arresting police officers. Bring the children and experience a famous event in American history. The event is free but donations are welcome. The Mill Museum is located at 411 Main Street in Willimantic. 860-456-2178 http://www.millmuseum.org