Next week, a prominent Dunkirk citizen who played an important role in the successful passage of women’s suffrage will be remembered with the placing of a historical marker at 627 Washington Ave.

Elnora Babcock, a native of northwestern Pennsylvania, moved to Dunkirk around 1880. She became president of the Chautauqua County Political Equality Club during the early 1890s, when the campaign for women’s right to vote was entering its final decades. Under her leadership, this organization grew to become the largest county suffrage club in the United States.

According to the news release, the marker highlighting Babock is one of about 250 being installed around the country as part of the National Votes for Women Trail commemorating the history of women’s suffrage. “The city of Dunkirk was home to many crucially important citizens, but Elnora Babcock’s contribution to our democracy on behalf of women has no equal,” city historian Diane Andrasik said.

After the dedication, attendants are invited to make a short trip down Washington Avenue to the Dunkirk Historical Museum, where an original manuscript of one of Babcock’s handwritten speeches will be on display, along with other documents and photographs. Light refreshments will also be provided.

The event will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Those attending the reception at the museum should RSVP by calling (716) 366-3797 and leaving a message or emailing contact@dunkirkhistoricalmuseum.org.