Sen. Breen introduces Gov. Mills at opening of women’s suffrage exhibition at Maine State Museum

AUGUSTA — Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, introduced Governor Janet Mills at the ceremony announcing the Maine State Museum’s “Women’s Long Road: 100 Years to the Vote” exhibition on Thursday, March 21.

“This exhibition will enlighten Mainers on the struggle for suffrage here and shine a light on some unsung heroes who made great sacrifices for our freedom. I believe Maine’s role in this process should be a source of great pride for all of us,” said Sen. Breen. “And, given that there is a stubborn disparity in our representation in Congress, state legislatures, governors’ mansions, boardrooms and corner offices, I believe it should inspire us to remain focused on the work ahead of us as much as celebrate how far we have come.”

In addition to her prepared remarks, Sen. Breen read, in its entirety, her joint resolution recognizing the centennial of Maine’s adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This document was adopted by the Legislature earlier this month. The document reviews the historical timeline of the movement, from the first Maine Woman Suffrage Association meeting in 1873 to Maine’s ratification of the amendment in 1919. It also notes the record number of female lawmakers, 71, in the current Legislature, and the first woman attorney general and first woman governor, Janet Mills.

“Women’s Long Road: 100 Years to the Vote” opens to the public on March 23 and runs through January 25, 2020. It features historical documents, photographs and artifacts related to the struggle for the right to vote. For more information on the centennial celebration, visit mainesuffragecentennial.org.