The Canadian Museum of History celebrates the 100th anniversary of Manitoba women winning the right to vote

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, October 5, 2016 — The Canadian Museum of History marks the 100th anniversary of women’s first right to vote in Canada by presenting the special display “Nice Women Don’t Want the Vote” from October 5, 2016 to March 12, 2017.

Developed by the Manitoba Museum, this special display outlines the historical context of the women’s suffrage movement in Manitoba ― the first province in Canada to enfranchise women. Taking its title from a phrase uttered by Manitoba’s Premier, Sir Rodmond Roblin, during a heated exchange with Nellie McClung, “Nice Women Don’t Want the Vote” outlines the causes, the contradictions and the people involved in the suffrage movement, emphasizing the fact that suffragists wanted real power in order to change society.

The special display comprises fascinating artifacts that prove that this was a real fight that had been brewing for 25 years, while also revealing the tensions within the movement. Through artifacts and photographs, visitors will learn about the struggles faced by these Canadian women.

“Nice Women Don’t Want the Vote” includes an interactive audio component featuring a selection of oral history clips and a comment “ballot box” where visitors can add their voice to the conversation by writing to the suffragists of the past or commenting on the importance of voting today.

“The centennial of women’s suffrage in Manitoba is a definitive milestone in Canadian history,” said Jean-Marc Blais, Director General of the Canadian Museum of History. “The hard-won victory of Manitoba’s suffragists in 1916 triggered a wave across the country. Other provinces quickly followed Manitoba’s example. And, in 1918, women got the right to vote in federal elections. “Nice Women Don’t Want the Vote” brings us the story behind this important breakthrough for gender equality in Canada, and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on its impact in contemporary Canadian society.”

“We hope this exhibit will provide an opportunity for all Canadians to deepen their knowledge of voting and women’s rights,” adds Claudette Leclerc, Executive Director for the Manitoba Museum.
 
“Nice Women Don’t Want the Vote” is presented in conjunction with the History Museums Network, a pan-Canadian association of heritage institutions, under the leadership of the Canadian Museum of History. By featuring exhibitions produced by our national partners, the Museum of History hopes to expand knowledge of Canada’s rich history, while introducing visitors to a variety of points of view from fine museums and their collections. “Nice Women Don’t Want the Vote” will appear at the Canadian Museum of History until March 12, 2017.

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum’s principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians’ awareness of world history and culture. Work of the Canadian History Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

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Media contacts:
Stéphanie Verner
Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7169
Email: stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca

Éliane Laberge
Social Media and Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7097
Email: eliane.laberge@historymuseum.ca