NORWICH - The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and the Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women, Inc. will host a special program on Aug. 26. in celebration of “Women’s Equality Day.” The evening will celebrate Haudenosaunee culture and its impact on American women securing the right to vote 125 years ago.

From 5:30–8 p.m., experience local Haudenosaunee heritage and learn how early suffragettes were inspired by the matriarchal leadership within these indigenous communities. Gain a deeper understanding of how this relationship directly influenced the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Featuring culinary tastings, interactive presentations, and participatory performances led by contemporary historians and cultural representatives, the evening is being made possible through generous support from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York.

Cultural preservationist and dedicated member of the Wolf Clan within the Oneida Indian Nation, Doris Wilkins-Wilt will host interactive demonstrations featuring her ability to craft Haudenosaunee items like beaded crowns, corn husk dolls, no-face dolls, the Tuscarora Beaded Bird, and ribbon skirts. As cultural programs coordinator at the Shako:wi Cultural Center, Wilkins-Wilt educates others about contemporary Haudenosaunee life, stressing firsthand cultural experiences to share knowledge and foster cultural understanding.

Diosa Hall of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe will offer an authentic culinary tasting and cultural education experience. Through her knowledge and background of being raised traditionally in the Onondaga Nation, Hall shares indigenous cuisine and wisdom based on food procurement and preparation methods of the Eastern Woodland peoples. In-season, whole foods, prepared in traditional ways will help encourage connections between event participants, each other, and the natural world.

Onondaga artist Chris Thomas will share an exhilarating introduction to Haudenosaunee history and culture through Smoke Dance. A multigenerational ensemble featuring talented performers in traditional regalia, Chris Thomas & the Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancers will demonstrate lightning footwork that seems to float on air. These dynamic and engaging performances offer audience members the opportunity to participate and build their own style within the dynamic framework of this traditional art form.

Public historian Ciarrai Eaton will share about author, activist, lecturer, and suffragette Matilda Joslyn Gage, who was honorarily adopted into the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk Nation in 1893. As interim executive director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, Eaton leads the organization in its mission to educate current and future generations about the life and work of Matilda Joslyn Gage and its power to drive contemporary social change.

“American women have a voice in our nation’s decision-making today, and it’s important to honor the efforts of those who made this possible all those years ago,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “We are extremely grateful to the Women’s Fund for this opportunity to celebrate the incredible gift of inspiration that the  Haudenosaunee  offered the early suffragettes.”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories.  Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding for “Women’s Equality Day” has been provided by the Otis Thompson Foundation. 

CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit  ChenangoHistorical.org  for more details about this and other museum programs.

- From the CCHS