Norwich University's Sullivan Museum and History Center presents "Votes for Women," a centennial celebration of the passing of the 19th Amendment with singer and historian Linda Radtke at noon Wednesday, March 4, in the museum conference room.

This Lunch and Learn event is free and open to the public with a light lunch provided.

Radtke will appear in period garb and "Votes for Women" sash, specifically highlighting the decadeslong persistence of Vermonters, both women and men, to get women the vote.

According to Radtke, music was essential to the movement; each state convention of suffragists began and ended with songs such as "Shall Women Vote?" "New America," "Giving the Ballot to the Mother" or "Voting as we Pray," as well as rousing Christian hymns. Radtke traces the movement's alignment with other social justice initiatives such as temperance, labor conditions, wage equity, peace and children's welfare. The songs and stories in Radtke's engaging presentation highlight Vermonters' efforts from 1840-1921, as they lobbied in churches, at "parlor meetings" at town halls and at the State House for total enfranchisement.

The Sullivan Museum and History Center, Vermont's only Smithsonian Affiliate, features permanent exhibitions and changing exhibitions. The museum is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the academic year. For more information about the programs or exhibit, please call 802-485-2183 or visit http://academics.norwich.edu/museum.