August 29, 2005

Reprinted with permission.

Museum celebrates suffragist's local roots, global contributions

By Jennifer Meyer, Press staff writer

A community celebrated on Saturday the life's work of one of its own and the group which dedicated the last 15 years to telling her story.

The National 19th Amendment Society hosted the opening and dedication of the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Girlhood Home and Museum over the weekend. The society was founded 15 years ago and purchased the home a year later.

"Today at last, 14 years later, after a long and, at times, challenging journey, the vision of preserving the home and telling the story has at last become reality," said David McCartney, university archivist at the University of Iowa and member of the National 19th Amendment Society advisory board.

Through the society's efforts, the suffragist's childhood home on Timber Avenue was restored and exhibit panels installed telling how the young Floyd County girl grew into a woman who fought for equal voting rights around the world.

"The 19th Amendment Society has put forth a great effort in the restoration and preservation of Carrie Lane Chapman Catt's childhood home," said Floyd County Supervisor Warren Dunkel. "The new displays being viewed for the first time today will serve to educate the visitor about this remarkable woman."

The displays were designed with the help of 11 students from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls who belonged to a limited-sized class of advanced graphic design led by Professor Aaris Sherin.

Sherin said the story boards were designed in a "16-week whirlwind" and implemented over most of the summer.

As those present reflected on Catt's life, they also noted the accomplishments of the society formed in her memory.

"Their efforts, like Carrie's, are wonderful examples of how small groups of committed people can drive for changes," said Candy Streed, program and marketing director of Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

National 19th Amendment Society President Mary Ann Zanotti said support from the community helped make the project a success.

"What's awesome about projects like this, is we're not only creating memories, we're preserving memories," said Jim Thompson, director of Charles City Community Development.

Charles City Mayor Jim Erb said the home will serve as "a tremendous asset to both Charles City and Floyd County."

"This home is a historic destination with a story to tell," Dunkel added. "Floyd County now has another quality attraction."

McCartney said regular hours for visitors of the museum are scheduled to begin in spring of 2006. It is currently open by appointment by contacting the National 19th Amendment Society at (641) 228-3336 or by email at info@catt.org [effective April 2007; replaces previous email address].