November 2020 to October 2021, West Gallery, Parkway Central Library
In 2020, the United States observed the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted the right to vote to some women, while excluding so many others. Making Her Mark: Philadelphia Women Fight for the Vote focuses on the timeline of the fight for the vote, how Philadelphia women made vital contributions to that fight, and how efforts to expand voting rights continue today.
Exhibition design
The challenge:
Create an exhibition identity capable of showcasing over two centuries of feminist activism in a manner that is equally compelling to present-day viewers and inspiring of action.
The APPROACH:
The design team began its research looking through the Library’s archives of Suffrage pamphlets, photographs, 19th-century broadsheets, and other material gathered by the curatorial team. Because of the exhibition’s long historical lens, and the desire to connect with contemporary audiences, we also looked at recent feminist activism in music, art, and social justice movements. The exhibition’s look and feel strikes a balance between reverence--for the fight and under-told stories of the many women featured--and irreverence--a recognition of all those who have and continue to take bold, unsanctioned action to ensure equal rights for women everywhere. High-contrast woodblock headlines conjure the DIY spirit of innovation and defiance shown by so many activists unwilling to accept unjust and inequitable policies. The bright and contemporary palette evokes the purple-white-yellow flag of Women’s Suffrage but updates it for contemporary audiences and as a corrective to the many racial and economic prejudices that mar early wins in the fight for voting rights.
The design team began its research looking through the Library’s archives of Suffrage pamphlets, photographs, 19th-century broadsheets, and other material gathered by the curatorial team. Because of the exhibition’s long historical lens, and the desire to connect with contemporary audiences, we also looked at recent feminist activism in music, art, and social justice movements. The exhibition’s look and feel strikes a balance between reverence--for the fight and under-told stories of the many women featured--and irreverence--a recognition of all those who have and continue to take bold, unsanctioned action to ensure equal rights for women everywhere. High-contrast woodblock headlines conjure the DIY spirit of innovation and defiance shown by so many activists unwilling to accept unjust and inequitable policies. The bright and contemporary palette evokes the purple-white-yellow flag of Women’s Suffrage but updates it for contemporary audiences and as a corrective to the many racial and economic prejudices that mar early wins in the fight for voting rights.
ENGAGING AUDIENCES
Throughout the exhibition panels, viewers are asked direct questions to encourage reflection and conversation around their own awareness and role in the fight for women’s rights.
RESPONDING TO A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
The Free Library’s exhibitions are designed to be accessible and informative to anyone who visits Parkway Central library, from casual drop-in visitors on their way to a children’s storytime, to researchers visiting one of our many special subject collections. But as we closed our doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we wanted to create opportunities for audiences to engage with the exhibition content in innovative ways. In addition to creating a flip-book digital version of the exhibition on our website, we also developed social media campaigns to highlight certain aspects and themes of the exhibition, offering more of the “drop-in” experience one might have with the exhibition if they happened upon it during a trip to the main branch.
The Free Library’s exhibitions are designed to be accessible and informative to anyone who visits Parkway Central library, from casual drop-in visitors on their way to a children’s storytime, to researchers visiting one of our many special subject collections. But as we closed our doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we wanted to create opportunities for audiences to engage with the exhibition content in innovative ways. In addition to creating a flip-book digital version of the exhibition on our website, we also developed social media campaigns to highlight certain aspects and themes of the exhibition, offering more of the “drop-in” experience one might have with the exhibition if they happened upon it during a trip to the main branch.
Visit the Digital Exhibition
