Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
Born when slavery was a bitter issue, Lucretia Blankenburg grew up in an atmosphere of political and social reform. When she saw the struggle encountered by her mother, Dr. Hannah Longshore, Philadelphia’s first practicing female physician, she resolved to enter the fight for equal rights for women.
A vigorous promoter of the women’s suffrage movement, Lucretia Blankenburg served for sixteen years as President of the Pennsylvania Women Suffrage Association and as honorary Vice President of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
She was active in effecting civic and political improvements, helping to promote such interests as the filtration of Philadelphia’s water supply, fenders on street cars, women on the school board, and smoke abatement in the city.
Her portrait is by Violet Oakley, distinguished American mural painter, some of whose monumental work adorns the Capitol building in Harrisburg.