The Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center is proud to present Learning at Lunch, a new series illuminating aspects of the former prison’s 91-year history. Each month, one of our founding volunteers tackles a topic from our complicated past. After a brief 30-minute talk, presenters answer audience questions, and all attendees are invited to visit the museum following the program. Table seating will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; snacks, and beverages available for purchase.

Mostly young immigrant women, the “factory girls” cut their teeth during the struggles to achieve better pay and safer working conditions in the garment industry in New York City. They formed a union, went on strike, and forced the industry to deal with them. Florence Bayard Hilles, a founder of the National Women’s Party and fellow factory worker, lobbied the NWP that their inclusion would add a new dimension to the struggle for women’s enfranchisement. Author Kenena Spalding looks at the contributions made by “working girls” in the women’s fight for suffrage. Free event.