City of Havre de Grace Dedicated Suffrage Marker on NVWT

A significant moment in Harford County Women’s Suffrage history was recognized on March 27, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. Havre de Grace dedicated and unveiled the state of Maryland’s latest marker on the National Votes For Women Trail.

Elizabeth Hamilton Chew Forbes (April 17, 1882 – June 28, 1971) served as president of Harford County’s chapter of the Just Government League, and helped welcome the “pilgrims” who marched through the County in the 1915 Prairie Schooner Campaign. She was later arrested during the Watchfire demonstrations in Washington DC. Forbes continued to work on behalf of women’s equality for the rest of her life.

“The award of the suffrage marker, one of only 250 markers placed on the Trail throughout the country, represents a major honor for Havre de Grace. This is one of 15 markers that will be included throughout the state,” said Diana Bailey, executive director of the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center. “Shining a spotlight on the unrelenting dedication of Maryland suffragists is an important and relevant piece of our state’s history, especially during the centennial of the 19th amendment.”

The day began at noon with a Women’s Suffrage Parade that was open to the public. Participants were encouraged to come dressed as suffragists.

About the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center (MWHC), a 501(c) (3) non-profit, non-partisan organization, was established to preserve the past, understand the present, and shape the future by recognizing, respecting, and transmitting the experiences and contributions of Maryland women of diverse backgrounds and from all regions of the state. The Center is an outgrowth of the Maryland Women’s History Project that began in 1980 as a collaborative venture between the Maryland Commission for Women and the Maryland State Department of Education. Please visit: www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org