A Victorian “Pink Tea” celebrating “100 Years of Votes for Women” will feature a suffragette-themed presentation by Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi, nationally acclaimed historian and author. The Sat., Nov. 14 event (previously planned for May 2 but postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions) will be hosted by the Kenilworth Historical Society at the Kenilworth Veterans Center (33 South 21 Street) starting at 12:30 p.m. An array of teas, tea sandwiches and desserts will be served. Advance reservations are required. Admission is $30. The event will also feature a gift auction and door prizes.
In commemorating the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which in 1920 gave women the right to vote, Rajoppi will spotlight many who valiantly led the decades-long Women’s Suffrage movement, particularly Kenilworth and Union County pathfinders who helped further the cause and who overcame daunting challenges in paving the way for other women to run for public office.
“Pink Teas” were held by Victorian women to secretly discuss such then-controversial issues as women’s voting rights. It was believed that referring to the gatherings as “Pink Teas” would mask their political purpose and deter men from attending.
Proceeds from the Tea and Gift Auction will benefit the Kenilworth Historical Society’s Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880) “living history” museum and cultural arts center by helping defray operating expenses, including the cost of an elevator that makes all levels of the site (“living history” museum, exhibition center and cultural arts center) fully accessible to everyone.
An array of assorted teas, tea sandwiches, scones and desserts will be served. The event also will feature a gift auction and door prizes.
Admission is $30. Advance reservations are requested, as seating is limited. For reservations/tickets, please call 908-709-0434 or visit Especially Yours Florist at 13 North 20 Street, Kenilworth.
Proceeds from the Nov. 7 Tea and Gift Auction will benefit the Kenilworth Historical Society’s Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880) “living history” museum and cultural arts center by helping defray the cost of an elevator that makes all levels of the site (“living history” museum, exhibition center and cultural arts center) fully accessible to everyone.
Further details about this exciting event will follow–