DUNEDIN, Fla. - Right off the water in downtown Dunedin, sits appropriately named, Edgewater Park. This area is where Elizabeth Skinner lived and worked in the early 1900s to change history.
What You Need To Know
- The William G. Pomeroy Foundation funded these markers being built across the U.S.
- Elizabeth Skinner called "dynamic participant" in Florida's women suffrage movement
- More Pinellas County headlines
“Elizabeth Skinner, not only being an extraordinary woman, she was a dynamic participant in Florida’s women suffrage movement," said Killian O'Donnell, Florida Coordinator, National Votes for Women Trail.
The work suffragists did in our state, truly reflected why Florida became the fastest state to obtain municipal suffrage.
“Prior to passing the 19th amendment, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and St. Pete all had municipal suffrage, meaning women could vote locally and run for office locally," said O'Donnell.
But local history isn't always taught in school, especially the names of local women suffragists. The National Collaborative for Women's Sites decided this needed to change and created the National Votes for Women Trail.
Killian O'Donnell put submitted several markers for Florida, and Skinner was the first one chosen for the state.
“Its purpose is to inspire future generations to treasure their right to vote, and to motivate them to continue the fight for equality," said O'Donnell.
Prominent women in history are recognized with markers across all 50 states.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation funded these markers being built across the U.S.