Senator Farley Salutes Aug. 26th As Women's Equality Day By Offering Free Copies Of Women Of Distinction Booklet

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) reminds constituents that August 26th is Women's Equality Day.

"On August 26th, 1920, the U.S. Constitution was amended to grant women the right to vote," Senator Farley said. "To honor this past due accomplishment, the U.S. Congress declared August 26th as Women's Equality Day."

"Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who hailed from Johnstown, NY, and Susan B. Anthony, who once taught in Canajoharie, NY, were extremely instrumental in fighting for women's rights," Senator Farley said. "Working together, they formed a leading women's suffrage organization, and campaigned across the country for the right to vote."

To salute them, and honor Women's Equality Day, Senator Farley has free copies available of the New York State Senate Women of Distinction booklet at his offices. "From suffragists to geneticists, labor organizers to entertainers, whose contributions are still felt today and who stand as in inspiration to the next generation of inventors, explorers and achievers, this informative publication highlights the achievements of some really great New Yorkers (including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony)," Senator Farley said.

Senator Farley added that August is designated as National Inventors' Month, and Katharine Burr Blodgett (1898-1979), an inventor and scientist from the General Electric Company, is also highlighted in the Women of Distinction booklet.

"Katharine Burr Blodgett was the first female research scientist at GE and made significant contributions to the field of industrial chemistry, including six U.S. patents," Senator Farley said. "Dr. Blodgett has been credited with inventing nonreflecting glass, which is commonly found today in camera lenses and optical equipment, automobile windows, eyeglasses, picture frames and submarine periscopes."

She was the first industrial scientist to be awarded the Garvan Medal. A native of Schenectady, Dr. Blodgett spent nearly all of her adult life in that city, where she helped pave the way for women physicists and scientists around the world, Senator Farley added.

To obtain the booklet, stop by or call Senator Farley's offices at 412 LOB, Albany (phone: 455-2181); 2430 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam (phone: 843-2188); or 33-41 E. Main St., Johnstown (phone: 762-3733). Or call toll-free at (800) 224-5201.