Welcome to Miss Alice Paul Headquarters
Celebrating Alice Paul ~ American Revolutionary & Radical Activist.
1906, age 21, while working in a Settlement House in Lower Manhattan, Alice Paul saw clearly that immigrants arriving from all over the world, seeking citizenship, would need both the VOTE and EQUALITY under the law. For the 71 years of her life ahead, this was her sole mission.
Committed Quaker, Model of Nonviolent Direct Action, armed with three law degrees, Miss Paul embraced her calling. I am thrilled to introduce her to you.
BA Biology Swarthmore
MA Sociology U of Penn
PhD Economics U of Penn
LL.B American University
LL.M & PhD American University
High Priestess of Feminism
Militant
Civil Disobedient
Faster
Revolutionary
Visionary
Reformer
Prophet
Deity
The Silent Bullet
Iron-willed
Fanatic
Genius Strategist
A Lonely Joan of Arc
Venomous Specimen in a Snake Pit
Recruiter
Pure Feminist
Cloistered Zealot
Heart & Hinge of the NWP
Contemporary of Gandhi
Student of Emmeline Pankhurst
Zoe Nicholson
Curator of Miss Alice Paul HQ
The National Archives, Washington D.C. January, 2020
This is my favorite picture of me. It expresses both the discovery of Miss Alice Paul and demonstrates my love for her story, my research and, ultimately, where it led me.
1981, meeting Sonia Johnson and accepting her invitation to join in a solemn fast for the ERA catapulted me into a lifetime dedicated to amending the United States Constitution. I felt zero hesitation, having spent several years immersed in the life of Mohandas Gandhi. He led me to a deep belief in the power of fasting and the principles of Nonviolent Direct Action. Also, fasting was embedded in my 18 years of Catholic education. The big surprise was that the international fasting expert, Dick Gregory, flew to Springfield and sat next to me for a week, teaching me about his practice and understanding of the spirit and power of fasting.
Over the last 43 years, many people have asked, how do I feel about the fast and its failure. I laugh right out loud. It did not fail, it made me. Nothing defines me more than my 37 day fast for the ERA. It taught me who I am. It set me on fire to find out everything available about its author, Alice Paul. She is my North Star, lighting my pilgrimage in Self-discovery.
This website is but a small ofrenda of Alice Stokes Paul. It is your introduction to her. Mostly there are photos and some very unique keepsakes; letters, speeches, clippings and ephemera. You will find a deep list of references, books & articles. Gifts is a space to see items people have given me. You can inquire about my live show, Tea With Alice and Me and several virtual programs.
I hope my life demonstrates her influence, her inspiration. I told a woman who knew her that I consider Miss Paul, my mentor. She told me that is impossible as she is not alive. I didn’t say anything out loud but, in my heart, I thought, she is alive to me. Oh what a wonderful life she has led me to.
Live Performance ~ A stage presentation with Q & A
Virtual Programs ~ A 60 minute Zoom gathering with Q & A
From my first visit, 2006, when I found my book, The Hungry Heart, in Miss Paul’s library, I was given VIP treatment by the National Woman’s Party at the Sewall-Belmont House, Now the Belmont – Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. All their Photos are used with their generous permission but, moreover, we delighted in mutual discoveries and shared love for Miss Paul.
Thank you, Paige Harrington & Jennifer Krafchik for your hospitality and continuing support. (retired Executive Director & then, Acting Executive Director of the Sewall Belmont)
Dr. Chelsea Del Rio. Thank you for the endless, abundant, and gracious supply of articles, references and recommendations. Nothing comes close to your patience and smart conversation.
Special thanks to the City of West Hollywood for hosting the debut of Tea with Alice & Me. Lindsey Horvath and John Erickson.
Women who kicked my ass with wit, strident directions and steadfast encouragement.
Mary Lee Sargent Sonia Pressman Fuentes
Linda Perkins Anne Grant
Dr Bernice Sandler Jacqui Ceballos
Not being a PhD or candidate, it seemed some doors were closed to me. In fact, that barrier only set me on fire. I found I had friends in many places. The Women’s History Librarian at the Library of Congress, the Librarian at the Bancroft Library UC Berkely.
I never felt alone as Alison Coil took delight in delivering every article in record time.
Beyond belief, when reading a great article on Miss Paul, by Susan Ware; The Book I Couldn’t Write. I found a reference to the ERA fast and could not resist writing to her about my love for Miss Paul. In doing so, I was able to ask about the treasures at the Schlesinger Library.
I also learned that the most obscure places produced the best finds. At this time, I have read over 6,000 clippings and cataloged half. The greatest key I can share is that the second half of her life was as meaningful, dedicated, historic as the first. With the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 was only the starting gate.
The most generous, the most inspiring, the most knowledgeable is Martha Wheelock, CEO of Wild West Women, Inc. I can’t imagine the hours we have spent talking about these women who set afire the advancement of American women 1848 – yesterday.
Production Notes
This is a dynamic environment. Additions happen often. Changes happen as information is collected. Edits are gratefully considered. The intention is to keep this robust, growing, and current. If you have something you would like to submit, please email it and you will hear from us. Zoe@missalicepaul.com