Rutherford County residents are invited to celebrate the centennial of women’s right to vote at a virtual tea party and book club at 4 p.m. Aug. 11.

Hosted by the Rutherford Arts Alliance in partnership with AAUW-Murfreesboro and the MTSU President's Commission on the Status of Women, the online Zoom meeting will focus on a discussion of The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss.

The book chronicles the critical last six weeks of the battle for the 19th amendment, a drama that largely unfolded at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel and in a special session of the Tennessee State Legislature.

"Tennessee women changed the course of history by working to make Tennessee the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th amendment,” said Lucy Langworthy, RAA Chair. “We are so pleased, throughout this year and next, to be collaborating with several local organizations in honoring that fight. 

AAUW-Murfreesboro President Nancy James added, "It is so energizing to team up with each of these tremendous organizations to continue the voting conversation and to recognize Tennessee's instrumental role in granting women the right to vote." 

Attendees are invited to bring their own cup of tea or other favorite beverage and, if desired, wear a hat or other period-inspired fashion.  

The RAA encourages attendees to RSVP to the organization’s event on Facebook. More information about the event and The Woman’s Hour is also available on the organization’s website, rutherfordartsalliance.org.  

More about the event sponsors

The Rutherford Arts Alliance is an independent, nonprofit advocacy group created to identify, unite and promote arts, culture, and heritage throughout Rutherford County, Tennessee. Membership is open to any individual or institution interested in advancing the creative culture of Rutherford County. For more information, visit rutherfordartsalliance.org.

AAUW Murfreesboro is a membership organization of college-educated individuals from all walks of life who share a common purpose—to level the playing field for women and girls in education and in the workplace.  For more information, visit murfreesboro-tn.aauw.net.

The MTSU President's Commission on the Status of Women advocates for the needs of university women by removing obstacles and building bridges between working and social environments on campus. The Commission promotes women students, staff, faculty and administrators through education, support, and activism. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/pcsw/.