Dora lewis PORTRAYED BY CAROL SPACHT
Dora Lewis was a Philadelphia reformer and suffragist. As Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, she was comfortably connected to the highest levels of society. She chose to dedicate her efforts and position to political action, pressuring the government to pass the 19th Amendment, Woman Suffrage, to the United States Constitution.
Mrs. Lewis was arrested while carrying protest banners in front of the White House as a “Silent Sentinel.” She served as the spokeswoman during the infamous “Night of Terror” at the Occoquan Workhouse, and endured being forcibly fed after hunger-striking. Nothing stopped Mrs. Lewis’ commitment to a woman’s right to vote. Her protest banner quoted President Wilson’s words, “Conquer or Submit.” Dora Lewis would not submit.
Women finally attained the right to vote in 1920. One hundred years later, we have almost forgotten the struggle and sacrifice involved in the battle for a privilege that is too often taken for granted today. You are invited to meet Dora Lewis, National Woman’s Party Ratification Chair, to learn more about this important moment in women’s history.
Carol Spacht: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator