Archive: Around Town

As part of its annual recognition of Women's History Month in March, Senator Pam Helming and her colleagues unveiled a display on the first floor of the Legislative Office Building in Albany which commemorates women suffragists who have advocated for the right to vote and were a voice for furthering additional women's rights.

"2020 is such a historic year for women, marking the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. Because of the brave women that came before us, women living in this great nation have the opportunity to vote and to have our voices heard. This anniversary is especially near and dear to our region as Seneca Falls was the site of the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848 and is now home to the National Women's Hall of Fame," said Helming.

Among the group of notable women displayed in Albany, there is a tribute to Eunice Newton Foot, a Bloomfield resident who was a scientist, physicist and inventor. Foote was a climate science pioneer who conducted some of the first experiments related to solar heating and greenhouse effects. She was also a member of the editorial committee for the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and a signatory of the Convention's Declaration of Sentiments, acting as one of only five women that prepared the proceedings of the Convention.

"Eunice Newton Foote was a brilliant and determined mind who is yet another example of someone from our region which has long been a beacon for outstanding women in a variety of fields. It is an honor to recognize her," Helming said.

As part of the Senate's observance of Women's History Month, Senator Helming is also accepting local nominations for the annual Women of Distinction ceremony to honor women who make a difference and to thank them for the pride they bring to their communities. Every woman nominated will be honored during a special ceremony on April 24th. Shortly after, one nominee will be invited to represent our Senate district at the NYS Senate Women of Distinction event at the State Capitol. The deadline for submitting a local nomination is Monday, March 16, 2020.

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