Amelia Himes Walker’s "Jailed for Freedom" Pin
Object Details
- associated institution
- National Woman's Party
- associated person
- Walker, Amelia Himes
- Description
- In January 1917, discouraged by President Wilson’s continued opposition to the suffrage amendment, Alice Paul, the leader of the National Woman’s Party (NWP) posted pickets at the White House gates—the first people to ever picket the White House. These “silent sentinels” stayed on duty in all weather and in the face of threats, taunts, and physical violence. Using their banners and their quiet courage they asked, “Mr. President How Long Must Women Wait for their Liberty?” and “Mr. President What Will you do for Woman Suffrage?” Hoping to provoke a response, the language on the banners became more inflammatory. They used the president’s own words against him and pointed out the hypocrisy of his leading the country into the First World War to defend freedom while denying it to the women of his own country. Crowds who believed the pickets’ activities were disloyal in a time of war attacked the suffragists and destroyed their banners. In July the police began arresting the pickets for “obstruction of traffic.” When they refused to pay fines they were imprisoned. When they went on hunger strikes to demand the rights of political prisoners they were forcibly fed—a painful and invasive procedure. The pickets continued despite the risk. This pin was given to Amelia Himes Walker, a long time women’s rights activist. Walker was arrested on July 14, 1917 and served 60 days in the Occoquan Workhouse. Reports of the long sentences, abuse, and the courage of the suffragists became public and all prisoners were released in November.
- In a December ceremony the imprisoned suffragists were awarded with small silver pins in the shape of prison doors with heart-shaped locks. The “jailed for freedom” pins were designed by Nina Allender.
- The Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution enfranchising women was ratified in August 1920.
- used
- Women's Rights
- general subject association
- Women's Suffrage
- See more items in
- Political History: Political History, Womens History/Reform Movements Collection
- Government, Politics, and Reform
- Souvenir Nation
- American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith
- Woman Suffrage
- Exhibition
- American Democracy
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Credit Line
- Gift of Amelia Himes Walker
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- ID Number
- PL.229385.03
- catalog number
- 229385.03
- accession number
- 229385
- Object Name
- pin
- Physical Description
- silver, sterling (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 1 1/2 in x 1 in x 1/4 in; 3.81 cm x 2.54 cm x .635 cm
- Record ID
- nmah_516351