New display commemorates 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage society

A new display at the Shetland Museum and Archives, Votes for women!, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Shetland Women’s Suffrage Society (SWSS).

The SWSS was moderate, and one of the 400 branches of the NUWSS throughout Britain. Like the national organisation, Shetland’s members were mostly middle class. Shetland wasn’t fertile ground for agitation, and the SWSS, founded in 1909, had only around 20 members.

The SWSS hosted speakers from south and held fund-raising bazaars, and the local press covered their activities. Shetland sent representatives to meetings, including the 1911 coronation rally in London. In the 1914-18 war the SWSS did welfare work for the troops.

The society disbanded in 1919, once parliament had passed the Representation of the People Act, and the NUWSS campaign had achieved success.

The display will be in the case outside the Archives Searchroom until 31st March next year.

If you would like further information please contact Brian Smith at the Museum and Archives on (01595) 695057.