“Marie Stuart Edwards” State Historical Marker To Be Dedicated in Peru, Indiana

A public dedication ceremony for an Indiana state historical marker commemorating women’s suffragist and social reformer Marie Stuart Edwards is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th in Miami County. The program will begin at 3:00 pm at 123 W. Main St., Peru, Indiana 46970. Street parking is available.

The text follows for the state marker entitled “Marie Stuart Edwards, 1880-1970”:

Social reformer Marie Stuart Edwards moved to Peru in 1914, later living in this house (1917-1926). As Woman’s Franchise League president (1917-1919), Edwards mobilized a statewide network of suffragists. She led the league’s WWI relief efforts, while managing Peru Chair Works. In 1921, Edwards was elected vice president of the national League of Women Voters (LWV). From Peru, Edwards forged a national network of LWV branches and citizenship schools. She worked with the league for decades, helping pass legislation protecting women and children, lobbying for public sanitation, and working for disarmament. As a member of various state boards between the 1920s and 1950s, she advocated for prison rehabilitation and education reform.

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony for this historical marker that commemorates Edward’s contributions to women’s suffrage and her work as a lifelong proponent of education, healthcare, and public welfare reform. This marker was made possible thanks to Miami County Indiana Worth Remembering, Jason and Denise Gornto, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and the tireless efforts of marker applicant Regine Brindle. For a listing of other state markers in the county, see: https://www.in.gov/history/state-historical-markers/find-a-marker/find-historical-markers-by-county/indiana-historical-markers-by-county/#miami.

State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places, and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve, and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages. For over 100 years the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Over 750 of these markers have been installed over the years.

For more information about the Indiana Historical Marker Program, including details on this marker, a listing of other markers in the state, or other resources about Indiana, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at http://www.IN.gov/history or call (317) 232-2535. For more information on the dedication, contact Jason and Denise Gornto at [email protected] or marker applicant Regine Brindle with Miami County Indiana Worth Remembering at [email protected].