Traci Langworthy speaks about the Womens’ Suffrage movement at a recent Valley Historical Society gathering.

SINCLAIRVILLE — The Valley Historical Society gathered at the museum located at the corner of Main and Lester streets in the village for a speaker on the Women’ Suffrage Movement of the 1800’s. Traci Langworthy, professor of history at the Jamestown Community College, was the guest speaker. The Womens’ Suffrage movement led to the adoption of the 19th amendment, which will be 100 years old in 2020. The suffrage movement for political equality was started in Chautauqua County in the late 1880’s and one of the leading women was Evaline R. Clarke, who had resided in South Stockton. Chautauqua County was the strongest county in this movement, with political meetings being held in the area. Mrs. Clarke was a Suffrage leader, a writer and editor. Articles were published in the one-time Sinclairville newspaper called the Commercial, and led to the publication called “Equality” which became “a monthly journal devoted to the interests of women’s political, legal and industrial enfranchisement.” Next year on the 100th anniversary of the amendment, all will have the history which led to the adoption of the amendment. A very informative presentation was enjoyed by all.

President of the historical society Larry Barmore welcomed all to the meeting. Barmore led all in the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report was read by treasurer John Sipos. The Valley Historical Society participated in the recent Memorial Day weekend parades in Gerry, Sinclairville and Cassadaga. Barmore said that the museum is open for the season on Sunday afternoons for the public at no charge from 2 until 5 p.m. The museum will not be open on holiday weekends including Father’s Day weekend, the 4th of July and Labor Day. Tour guides are always present.

Thanks to the donation of the Chautauqua County Community Foundation of Jamestown and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation of Dunkirk, the wooden part of the museum was recently painted. Barmore said that he wanted the paint color to simulate old siding. Following the meeting, refreshments were served by vice president Betty Jean Ridout. The next gathering of the group will be on Tuesday, July 2 at 7 p.m. at the museum in Sinclairville. Guest speaker will be Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Chaplain Diane K. Shaw on a “Patriotic Moment.” All are welcome to attend.