At the Fall Luncheon of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society – Sarabeth’s Park Avenue South – October 10, 2017

October 10, 2017

From the Fall 2017 “New York Researcher,” the NYG&B’s publication quarterly.

This was the annual fall fundraiser for the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society, one of New York City’s historic treasures and I was delighted to be asked to speak about The Suffragents at this wonderful event, attended jointly by NYG&B supporters and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who share NYG&B’s genealogical zeal.

This is the first time so far the audience (more than 50 people in all) included a high percentage of men, as you can see from these photos as attendees were just starting to gather.

They asked a number of questions, including (for the second time) a request to explain the derivation of the word “suffrage.” It doesn’t come from the root of “to suffer.” It comes from the Latin “suffragium,” meaning “vote, “political support,” and the right to vote or political franchise.

The NYG&B is now deeply engaged in a campaign to stop NYC Records from severely restricting access to vital records, which are so valuable to genealogical research. Here’s the society’s president, Josh Taylor, making his appeal:

https://www.facebook.com/nyfamilyhistory/videos/1521956391159838/

Here are some stills captured from an i-Phone video. I’m told high-quality photos are on the way and I will post them when they are available.