In 1845, feminist Margaret Fuller described the ultimate goal of women’s suffrage: “We would have every path laid open to Woman as freely as to Man.” Spoken seventy-five years before American women had the legal right to vote in national elections, Fuller’s rallying cry inspired a movement for women’s equality that continues today.

In Concord, Massachusetts, generations of women – some famous and some almost invisible – fought for their right to work and live how they pleased, often in defiance of tradition and propriety. They campaigned, organized, and advocated to expand their liberties and the liberties of others. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, this exhibition celebrated their remarkable achievements.

Recognizing the progress that has been made in empowering women to take “every path,” the exhibition also celebrated today’s women of Concord— from educators to entrepreneurs, firefighters to farmers, and artists to activists— through a special media component in the exhibition. While not meant to be comprehensive, the variety of these women’s endeavors and the vision, passion, and courage with which they have pursued them convey the benefits and enrichments of women’s expanded opportunities as envisioned by Margaret Fuller over 150 years ago.