98th Anniversary Of The Ratification Of 19th Amendment

Legislative librarian traces state’s pivotal role in recognizing women's right to vote

In honor of the 98th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) and Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) have authorized the release of an educational video, “The History of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Tennessee and The Ratification of the 19th Amendment.”

The video features a presentation by Tennessee Legislative Librarian Eddie Weeks tracing Tennessee’s pivotal role in the history of the movement that culminated in the passage of the amendment.

Ninety-eight years ago, the Tennessee House of Representatives had been deadlocked on the issue of suffrage. Thirty-five other states had ratified the amendment. Only one more state was needed for adoption. After receiving a letter from his mother, 24-year-old Rep. Harry T. Burn decided to break the deadlock and cast the deciding vote in favor of ratification of the 19th Amendment. Tennessee became the 36th and deciding state to ratify.

The presentation featured in the video was given at the Legislature’s Cordell Hull Building conference center. The video includes a bonus interview with legislative librarian Eddie Weeks and is now available on the Tennessee General Assembly’s YouTube channel, TGA tv. The speakers believe the video will be a great resource for educators and students of Tennessee History and are hopeful it can be used in a classroom setting.