Museum opens “Woman” exhibit

July 15, 2016 · 0 Comments

“Do we not bear our part in citizenship? Do we not help build the Empire? Give us our due!”

-Nellie McClung 1914

By Marni Walsh

The Dufferin County Museum and Archives (DCMA) will open its newest exhibit “Woman” on July 16th in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in Canada.

An opening reception will be held at 6 p.m. on July 23 to celebrate the exhibit, which commemorates the anniversary – and the women of Dufferin County.

Women first won the right to vote in Canada on January 28, 1916 after Nellie McClung led a long fight for women’s suffrage in Manitoba, delivering close to 40,000 signatures in support of women’s right to vote to the legislature.

A bill to amend the Manitoba elections act followed, making it the first province to give Canada’s women the vote. Other provinces gradually followed, ending with Quebec in 1940, and finally First Nations women were allowed to vote while retaining their treaty rights in 1960.

“This exhibition and the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage is important to me personally, and as a historian, and to the Dufferin County Museum & Archives,” says Sarah Robinson, Curator for DCMA. “This is an opportunity for our community to praise the women who stepped outside of the stereotype.

“For example: Clara Brett Martin of Mono, who is best remembered as the first female law student at Osgoode Hall, the first female lawyer in the British Empire, and as a passionate and dedicated advocate for women’s rights. This is also an opportunity for us to acknowledge those women who are currently making a positive impact on our community: the teachers, artists, doctors, politicians, mothers and all females who make Dufferin County proud.”

Guest speakers for the opening reception on Saturday, July 23 will be well known Canadian television reporter, talk show host and entrepreneur Dini Petty; and historian and author Ken Weber. Events, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator for the Museum, Nanci Malek says Mr. Weber’s presentation, which includes “wonderful stories about strong Dufferin County women,” will feature Clara Brett Martin.”

“The display will feature some of the museum’s previous textile pieces and accessories, representing women’s fashion through the ages,” says Ms. Robinson. “Also showcased are the powerful stories of women of Dufferin County, both past and present.”

The curator points out that the exhibition, which runs until September 16th, provides contrasting views of women’s roles in society in 1916 compared to 2016.

“Not only has fashion changed,” says Ms. Robinson, “but also the opportunities that women in our community are afforded.”

Dufferin County Museum is located at 936029 Airport Road in Mulmur. Cost for the opening reception is $25.00 / $20.00 DCMA Members. RSVP by phone: 1-877-941-7787 or email: info@dufferinmuseum.com.