Frances Willard House Museum and Archives to Launch Frances Willard and Ida B. Wells Community History Project

Image courtesy of franceswillardhouse.org

In the 1890s, Woman’s Christian Temperance Union President Frances Willard and journalist and activist Ida B. Wells fought a war of words in the international press over Willard’s lack of public support for Wells’ anti-lynching campaign. Wells called Willard’s moral leadership into question and demanded that Willard and the WCTU join her anti-lynching campaign. Under Willard’s leadership, the WCTU eventually passed resolutions opposing lynching, but Willard’s language and actions complicate her legacy.

On Thursday March 14, 2019 the Frances Willard House Museum and Archives will launch "Truth Telling: Frances Willard and Ida B. Wells", a community history project that explores this conflict. The project includes a digital exhibit of original archival sources, community conversations, and public programs. The goal of the project is to uncover the full truth of the conflict, and explore its many meanings and ramifications for our world today. The launch event will include a view of the in-progress digital exhibit, a panel discussion with invited scholars, and audience feedback and conversations.

The launch will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Harris Hall room 107 at Northwestern University, beginning with a 5:30 public reception. The event is free to the public. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. RSVP at this link or call 847-328-7500.