Knoxville TN, October 6, 2025

News Summary

The Knoxville Women’s Suffrage Coalition is on a mission to raise $2 million for a new Women’s Suffrage Museum to open in March 2028. As of now, they have raised approximately $1.7 million and are urging the public for support before the October 31 donation deadline. The museum aims to educate the community about the importance of women’s voting rights, highlighting Tennessee’s historical role in suffrage. Plans for the museum include over 1,000 artifacts and a second building for expanded offerings if funding allows.

Knoxville

The Knoxville Women’s Suffrage Coalition is mobilizing efforts to raise $2 million for a new Women’s Suffrage Museum, slated to open in March 2028. The coalition recently made an appearance at a city council meeting to advocate for their project, despite being off the agenda. Members emphasized the museum’s significance by presenting gifts, including cut sunflowers, to council members and the public.

So far, the coalition has successfully raised approximately $1.7 million but needs to secure an additional $720,000 to meet their fundraising goal. This funding is crucial for the coalition’s plans to acquire a building on Gay Street, positioned between the Bijou and Tennessee theatres. The coalition has set a donation deadline of October 31st, and contributions can be made online at suffragecoalition.org/. Other donation options include mailing checks to Suffrage Coalition, P.O. Box 14322, Knoxville, TN 37914, or texting 1848 to 44321 for monetary contributions.

Wanda Sobieski, the coalition’s president and a resident scholar at the University of Tennessee School of Law focusing on women’s rights, highlighted the critical nature of public support for the museum. The museum is envisioned as a place to preserve the local suffrage legacy and provide educational opportunities regarding women’s right to vote.

Donation Tiers and Fundraising Events

Donors have options to contribute significantly. Individuals can join the Individual Founders Circle with a donation of $50,000 or receive recognition and benefits for $10,000 donations. Additionally, recent fundraising initiatives include a dinner where the Lawson Family Foundation pledged $100,000 towards the museum.

The coalition is scheduled to host a lunch event on October 7th, featuring a discussion led by Sobieski on the history of women’s suffrage. The museum is designed not only to reflect the hardships faced by suffragists but also to celebrate their successes. Over 1,000 artifacts have already been collected for display, showcasing the rich history of the suffrage movement.

Tennessee’s Historical Role

Tennessee holds a pivotal place in women’s suffrage history, having been the final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment by a single vote. Harry Burn, a state legislator from Niota, cast that decisive vote after being influenced by a letter from his mother. This historical backdrop highlights the importance of fostering awareness and education around the women’s suffrage movement.

In addition to the venue on Gay Street, the coalition is in negotiations for a second building to expand museum offerings, should their campaign reach its financial goals. The museum will place special emphasis on civics education and women’s issues, thereby enhancing community engagement and understanding of these significant topics.

Future Directions

With plans to close on the property at 706 S. Gay St. on November 5, 2025, the coalition is focused on acquiring the necessary funds and community support to move forward. They aim to foster appreciation for women’s voting rights and encourage future generations to understand the significance of the suffrage movement.

Key Features of the Women’s Suffrage Museum Project

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Knoxville Plans Women’s Suffrage Museum in Downtown
Knoxville Set to Celebrate Women’s Voting Rights at Annual Suffrage Banquet
Annual Suffrage Banquet Celebrates Women’s Voting Rights with Fundraiser in Knoxville

Additional Resources

• Knoxville Focus
• WBIR News
• Knox News
• Wikipedia: Women’s Suffrage
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Suffrage

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.