10 October 2019 marks the anniversary of the founding of the suffragette movement, one of the most captivating and powerful campaigns in history, which was led by pioneering and brave women.
It was in 1903 that Emmeline Pankhurst began the movement from her home, and it is here at the Pankhurst Centre that this historical milestone will be marked with visitors invited to take part in a series of special events throughout the month that celebrate the spirit of the suffragette movement.
Dr Tessa Chynoweth, Curator at the Pankhurst Centre, says, “In 2019 we are beginning what will become an annual celebration of the founding of the suffragette movement. The decisions and planning that took place in Emmeline’s home on Nelson Street on 10 October 1903 would go on to transform and galvanise the quest for the vote and equality globally. Now the home of the Pankhurst Centre, we are the only museum in the UK dedicated to telling the story of the campaigning and sacrifice that went into securing votes for women. Not only is this something we are incredibly proud of, it is also an incredibly powerful legacy that we want to continue to inspire people with.”
On Tuesday 8 October (5.00pm to 7.00pm) the Anne Lister and the Deviant Home talk will take place in which Dr Jill Liddington will introduce the life story of the real ‘Gentleman Jack’. The lecture will take place at the University of Manchester and follows with drinks at the Pankhurst Centre. For further information visit www.pankhursttrust.org/get-
Symbolically a live Wikipedia Edit-a-thon will be taking place at the Pankhurst Centre on Wednesday 9 October as the issue of equality on the global platform is addressed. This is a chance to take part in a workshop with The Zebra Partnership which will enable you to shine a spotlight on the women you want to see taking their place on Wikipedia. For further information visit www.tinyurl.com/y5cn6pzc
On Thursday 10 October, the 116th anniversary of the founding of the suffragette movement, the Pankhurst Centre will be hosting a special Open House celebration, including the chance to meet equalities activist Helen Pankhurst, Emmeline’s great granddaughter.
On 10 October 1987 Helen Pankhurst opened up the Pankhurst Centre as a small independent museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s suffrage and she shares the Pankhurst Trust’s vision to restore the property to its former glory and to transform the museum into one of world-class standing that is truly befitting of the legacy of the suffragettes and this building’s unique place in history.
10 October also includes the opportunity to see some of the incredible archive material that forms the Pankhurst Trust collection and which is not normally on public display. The Trust’s curator Tessa Chynoweth will be chatting to visitors about the significance of the collection, which includes feminist zines and posters, and photographs from the campaign to save the building in the 1980s.
Infamously in the early nineteeth century, operations were organised covertly by suffragettes over tea at a time when it was difficult for women to gather together outside of the home. It is in this spirit that visitors on 10 October are invited to partake in Pankhurst Pastries and coffee in the morning and tea and cakes in the afternoon. There will also be rousing suffragette songs to enjoy with musician Rachel Swanick from 1.30pm. For further information visit www.pankhursttrust.org/get-
Sunday 13 October (1.00pm to 4.00pm) is a day for all the family. enJOY Arts is inviting families to take part in Suffragette School, with the opportunity for young visitors to earn their suffragette stripes through a combination of singing, dressing up and taking part in suffragette-themed fun! HerActivist Heather Roberts will be carrying out a drop in archive workshop enabling visitors to discover the archive material that makes the Pankhurst Centre such a special building. And, for any cycling suffragettes, drop in bike repairs are taking place in the beautiful Suffragette Garden. For further information visit wwww.pankhursttrust.org/get-
Entry to all the Pankhurst Centre anniversary events is free, however, donations to the museum are encouraged. The museum receives no public funding, but invaluable support from its team of dedicated volunteers.
