If you’ve been following my social media, you are likely privy to the fact that I’ve started creating history apparel to help me cover the cost of producing The Teaching History Her Way Podcast, which is set to start season 3 this fall (!!). The latest design is from a photograph I took of a tin women’s suffrage sign in the shape of a bluebird. One of these is on display at the National Constitution Center in their 19th Amendment exhibit.

This blue bird struck me not only for the women’s suffrage message, but also for its beauty. The tin bluebird sign was made for and circulated by the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association in 1915 as their symbol. Those who hung the sign supported giving Massachusetts women the right to vote— there was a state referendum in 1915 which would have made female suffrage a reality in Massachusetts before a the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. July 19, 1915 was Suffrage Blue Bird Day, and according to the Smithsonian, 100,000 blue birds were hung around the state, though the referendum ultimately failed.

According to the National Park Service, blue bird signs were made in New York. They were made of tin and were 12 inches tall and 4 inches across. They were posted on fences and walls throughout Massachusetts to try to garner support for the 1915 women’s suffrage referendum in the state. On the bird’s yellow belly and tail it says “Votes for Women Nov. 2.” The small lettering on the edge of the tail says, “Mass. Woman Suffrage Assn. Gertrude H. Leonard Theresa A. Crowley”

Jumping further down the rabbit hole that this beautiful piece brought me down, I learned that Gertrude H. Leonard was the chairwoman of the Massachusetts Women Suffrage Association and she was largely responsible for getting legislation for suffrage in front of the Massachusetts legislature. She was a brilliant lobbyist. Leonard worked alongside Theresa Crowley, who was a lawyer, actress, and suffragist. She was a leading speaker and often went toe to toe with outspoken anti-suffrage politicians. Crowley published their voting records and was even responsible for leading the defeat of a couple of legislators. She was Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association and eventually was the president of the Massachusetts Women’s Bar association.

So, what is there to learn from this artifact besides quite a lot about the suffrage movement in Massachusetts? One of my greatest takeaways is the power of a primary source. This beautiful, albeit small, brightly colored bird piqued my curiosity and it was as if it called me to learn more. Imagine waking up your students’ imaginations with just one small artifact that can lead to some really big ideas? Don’t be afraid to use images or allow students to explore museums- in person or virtually- to stir their imaginations!

And also, drop by my online shop to grab a tee and support my cause to bring history, perspective, and empathy to more classrooms!