Passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment legally granted women the right to vote in the United States. But achieving this milestone took more than seven decades of progress and protest; the American West in particular was crucial to organizers in the women’s suffrage movement. As part of our celebration of Women’s History Month in March, learn more about women’s suffrage and this period in American history from historian Sarah Keyes (University of Nevada, Reno) at The Glass Die on Wednesday, March 12 from 7 to 9 pm. At this Humanities at Play in-person event, Keyes will first share her work and research on the study of suffrage in the U.S. West before audience members play the board game Votes for Women (Fort Circle Games, 2022)
Votes for Women invites its players to join the suffrage movement, organize support, and campaign for victory across the 48 states that were called to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1919-1920. The game’s artwork is inspired by the classic designs used by suffragists themselves, and features period art, portraiture, and historic documents. Campaigners move across the map to distribute political capital with a roll of the dice that will determine whether each state votes to ratify the amendment or opposes the Vote after three eras of play. Dig deeper into the history and maneuver through the critical choices that suffragists faced for a chance to guarantee equal franchise for all and win!
This is a free event. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please note that The Glass Die is a 21+ establishment. Individuals under the age of 21 will not be able to attend.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Keyes
Sarah Keyes is a historian of the United States. She specializes in the 19th century and the history of the U.S. West. Her first book, American Burial Ground: A New History of the Overland Trail, was published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in October, 2023. American Burial Ground places death at the center of the history of the Overland Trail and, in doing so, offers a sweeping and long overdue reinterpretation of this historic touchstone.
Humanities at Play explores and showcases the significance of the humanities in everyday life through games, media, and popular culture. Join us for dynamic and interactive online and in-person events designed to spark thoughtful conversation and reflection. Learn more here.
