Susan B. Anthony 'Returns' to Cooperstown

COOPERSTOWN—On February 9, 1855, Cooperstown area residents gathered at the First Presbyterian Church to hear suffragist Susan B. Anthony speak. A little more than a month before, Anthony had embarked on a tour of New York. The particular goal of her journey in the midst of perilous winter weather was to gain sufficient signatures to petition the New York Legislature for a law to secure woman’s right to own property.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area has invited “Susan B. Anthony” to return to Cooperstown. On Saturday, June 27 from 2-4 p.m., Anthony, as portrayed by historic re-enactor Linda McKenney, will once again address local citizens.

The LWVCA invites everyone to gather on the lawn outside of the First Presbyterian Church chapel to await Anthony’s 2 p.m. arrival, and stay to hear her message supporting democracy for all. Along with the Susan B. Anthony presentation, an exhibit of Christine Heller’s “Women Vote!: Fifteen New York State Suffragists” will be on display in the chapel. Heller will also speak briefly about “Women Vote!”