This 1917 photograph is a timely reminder of the long struggle fought by many dedicated women for basic civil liberties, including the right to own property, hold public office, sit on juries, participate in public assemblies and vote. The group of 25 suffragists—20 women and five men—gathered on the porch following their meeting with Congressman James Glynn of Winsted, United States Representative from Connecticut’s 5th District. The suffragists asked the congressman (front row, second from the left) to support the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Among those in the group were Amelia Purdy and her daughter Minna Taylor, May Barnard Knox, and Elizabeth Farnam of Norfolk. It would be another three years before the amendment was ratified.

—Ann Havemeyer

Photo courtesy of the Norfolk Historical Society.