Abby and The Vote

An annual event is the observance of the anniversary of the birth of Worcester’s Abby Kelley Foster on January 15, 1811.This year it was  observed on Sunday, January 15, from 1-3pm, at the YWCA. It was truly celebratory honoring Abby Kelley Foster and being the kick-off of planning for 2020, the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote.

President Ann Marie Shea welcomed all and spoke about the history and legacy of Abby Kelley Foster. Lynne McKenney Lydick, who portrays  Abby in Yours for Humanity—Abby, spoke about the right to vote.

Sharing in this day were representatives from the YWCA, Abby’s House, Worcester Historical Museum, Women in Action, and Girl Scouts along with members and friends of Worcester Women’s History Project. Signup sheets were filled with volunteer hands and hearts to help create the 100th anniversary celebration of the passing of the 19th Amendment for 2020. Future meetings will be on Tuesday, February 21, from 5-7pm, and Wednesday, March 15, from 5-7pm, both at Worcester Public Library’s Saxe Room. One wonders what the attendees at Worcester’s 1850 first National Woman’s Rights Convention would think of all that has happened.  

After hearing Abby’s message that all people have a civic responsibility and a duty to be engaged and involved in the world around them, Lori Haddad, GED teacher at the Community Corrections Center in Fitchburg MA, invited Abby to speak to her students on February 6, 2017.   (See Ms. Haddad’s comment in next column.)