Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation Welcomes League of Women Voters as Historic Partner and Names CEO Celina Stewart to Council of Ambassadors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In celebration of Women’s Equality Day and as the nation celebrates the historic 250th anniversary year for the United States, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation today announced the League of Women Voters (LWV) as an official partner in the effort to build the first monument on the National Mall dedicated to American women’s history and the suffrage movement. To support this historic effort, CEO Celina Stewart will serve on the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation’s Council of Ambassadors. 

In 1890, Suffrage leaders Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone founded the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). In anticipation of the passage of the 19th Amendment, NAWSA transformed into the League of Women Voters to educate millions of newly enfranchised Americans. Today, the League joins the Foundation as an official partner to bring the story of the suffragists to its rightful place on the National Mall. 

“We often say the suffrage movement was a multi-generational relay race– passed from hand to hand, from mother to daughter, until the finish line was reached,” said Anna Laymon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “This monument is a part of that legacy, and today we are honored to have this generation of League members join us as we celebrate our foremothers on the National Mall.” 

“The League of Women Voters was born from the suffrage movement, a movement built by women who refused to accept that democracy could be whole while they were excluded from it,” said Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters. “To help build a monument to those women on the National Mall is to do more than honor the past—it is to plant their legacy in the heart of our democracy. Every generation should be able to stand here, know their names, remember their courage, and understand that the rights we inherit were won by women who refused to stop fighting.”

Commemorating the August 26th certification of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Equality Day highlights the enduring legacy of the suffrage movement—and provides a historic opportunity to recognize our foremothers alongside our forefathers as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

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ABOUT THE WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT FOUNDATION

The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation was authorized by Congress in Public Law 116-217 and Public Law 118-226 to lead the effort to fund, design, develop, and construct the Women’s Suffrage National Monument on the National Mall. The monument will foster a deeper understanding of the women who shaped American democracy and inspire future generations. For more information visit www.womensmonument.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

 SUPPORT

The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation relies on the generous financial support of our donors. Like most monuments and memorials, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument will be funded entirely through private donations, and your support is essential to telling the stories of generations of suffragists. Join us to learn more about the monument, donate, and be a part of history.