Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association facts for kids

The Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association (MWSA) was an important group in America. It worked to help women in Massachusetts gain the right to vote. This group was active for many years, from 1870 until 1919.

Working for Women's Right to Vote

The MWSA was started in 1870 by people who believed women should have the right to vote. These leaders included Julia Ward Howe, Lucy Stone, and Henry Browne Blackwell. The group joined with a bigger national organization called the American Woman Suffrage Association. Later, it became part of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

What the MWSA Did

The MWSA worked hard to get women the right to vote. This right is also called "suffrage." They also wanted women to be able to hold important positions in local groups, like school boards.

The MWSA did many things to reach their goals:

• They taught people about women's rights.
• They organized public events, like rallies and parades, to show their support.
• They worked with similar groups in other states.

Many dedicated people were part of the MWSA. Some of them were Martha Ripley, a doctor, and Angelina Grimké, a social activist. Others included Ednah Dow Littlehale Cheney and Susan Walker Fitzgerald.

Growing Stronger

In 1892, the MWSA updated its rules to become even stronger. Alice Stone Blackwell and Ellen Battelle Dietrick helped write these new rules. This allowed the MWSA to grow and get more support.

Ten years later, in 1901, the MWSA joined with another smaller group in Massachusetts. By 1915, the MWSA had grown to over 58,000 members! Other important members included Margaret Foley, Sarah E. Wall, and Jennie Maria Arms Sheldon. Maud Wood Park was also invited to speak at one of their big events.

Where They Worked

From 1904 to 1915, the main office for the MWSA was at 6 Marlborough Street in Boston's Back Bay area.

After the Vote Was Won

In 1920, a very important change happened. The 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution. This amendment finally gave women across the United States the right to vote!

After this big victory, the MWSA changed its name. It became the Massachusetts League of Women Voters. This new group continued to help people understand voting and participate in government.

Records about the MWSA's history are kept safe at the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe College.