Justice Bell Foundation
Reclaiming Women's History~ Highlighting Women's Contributions~ Promoting Voter Participation.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE JUSTICE BELL
The Justice Bell has received praise from scholars, authors, and historians,
as well as heartfelt reflections from descendants of the women who carried the Bell in 1915.
Below you can read both professional endorsements and personal family perspectives,
highlighting the enduring significance of this story.
Book description and ordering information here.
Praise from Scholars and Authors
“Meticulously researched and vividly illustrated with contemporary newspaper accounts and striking photographs, The Justice Bell follows the day-to-day realities of the 1915 Pennsylvania suffrage campaign—rain-soaked journeys, public skepticism, and moments of fierce hope. Most compelling are the women themselves. Amanda Owen introduces us to twenty-five grassroots suffragists, ordinary women of extraordinary resolve, tracing their backgrounds, their actions during the tour, and the lives they carried forward after the campaign ended. While many histories survey the suffrage movement from a broad national lens, The Justice Bell shines by narrowing its focus—revealing how determined women, armed with conviction and creativity, moved a nation toward justice.”
— Martha Wheelock, filmmaker and Board President, National Women’s History Alliance
“Appealing, impressive, and easy to read, The Justice Bell gives readers a much fuller sense of the Bell, its history, and influence at the time. The suffrage movement and women’s history deserve such loving and careful attention. I love the Suffragist Spotlights, the names and details, and all the news photos. I’m glad the Justice Bell survives and that Amanda Owen has told its long and fascinating story, an important and inspiring work that restores this historical icon to its rightful place in our history.”
— Robert P. J. Cooney, Jr., author of Winning the Vote: The Triumph of the American Woman Suffrage Movement
“Owen’s account of this historic campaign event is a scholar’s delight filled with information that the author has gleaned from years of research. It is highly readable and serves as a valuable addition to any collection of books about the suffrage movement.
This is a beautiful book, and obviously a labor of love for Owen. Printed on high quality paper, the book contains numerous sharp illustrations that picture the Bell on its journey through various small towns and cities throughout the state. It also includes images and photos of the women who accompanied it and numerous period newspaper accounts of its stops along the way.”
— Dr. Kenneth Florey, suffrage memorabilia historian and author of American Woman Suffrage Postcards: A Study and Catalog
“The Justice Bell does an excellent job of bringing to life the excitement and arduous work of 1915’s campaign for women’s suffrage in Pennsylvania. Through Amanda Owen’s extensive research and clear writing, readers can see a wide range of suffragists playing a role in the story of the American women’s suffrage movement. The book is a welcome resource for anyone interested in suffrage history, Pennsylvania and American history, local history, and heritage tourism. It includes transcriptions of contemporary newspaper articles with brief, well-researched biographies of key players. Combined with historic photographs, maps, a discussion guide, and a list of further reading, this is a very useful research tool and reference.”
— Kimberly Hess, author of A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran
In Their Own Words: Descendants of the Justice Bell Suffragists
As more families rediscover their connections to the women who carried the Justice Bell across Pennsylvania, their voices remain an important part of this living history. Descendants are invited to share their reflections for future editions and related projects.
"Congratulations on a work that is meticulously researched and that brings much-needed attention to my great-aunt Katharine and her lifelong dedication to the idea of justice for all, which she upheld to the very end of her life. I am certain future historians will find this book an invaluable resource. You have clearly devoted countless hours to producing this exhaustive record of the Justice Bell and its importance to our country. Thank you for preserving this history."
— Alexandra Tatnall, great-niece of suffragist Katharine Wentworth Ruschenberger
"As the descendant-by-marriage of suffragist Louise Hall, I was delighted to read about her vital role in Amanda Owen’s beautifully written, deeply researched book. In addition to bringing attention to Louise and her brother Oliver, who drove the truck carrying the Bell, this inspiring work highlights other courageous women on the Justice Bell tour who dedicated their lives to women’s suffrage. I encourage readers to explore their own family histories—you may discover a connection to one of the remarkable women whose stories are preserved in this book."
— Linda Texter Hall, descendant-by-marriage of suffragist Louise Hall and author of Sea Glass: Pieces From My Life