Iowa PBS presents Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women

Many Iowans have spent 2020 reflecting on the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment, but may not know that a key player in the fight for women’s suffrage was one of our own. In honor of Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt’s life and the ratification of the 19th amendment, Iowa PBS presents Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women. The hour-long documentary premieres on statewide Iowa PBS on Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. and will be rebroadcast Sunday, May 10 at 1 p.m.

For those who can’t wait, Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women will premiere via livestream on Facebook Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. as part of the Virtual Iowa PBS Watch Party series. Viewers on the Facebook live premiere will have the opportunity to chat with the producer of the documentary, who will be answering questions and offering insight into the captivating program. After the online premiere, the documentary will also be available for on-demand viewing on all of Iowa PBS’s streaming platforms, including iowapbs.org, YouTube and the PBS Video App. 

Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women tells the story of Catt, the women’s suffrage movement and the passing and ratification of the 19th amendment. Catt, raised in Charles City, devoted most of her life to the expansion of women’s rights around the world as well as international peace — and is recognized as one of the key leaders of the American women’s suffrage movement.

“Carrie Chapman Catt was an inspiring woman,” said Iowa PBS Producer and Director Laurel Bower. “She worked tirelessly, traveling state by state and meeting with political leaders nationwide to influence change and win women the right to vote. I’m proud to tell this important story in American history.”

The documentary follows Catt from her childhood to her incredible legacy. Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women features many additional notable suffragists, and highlights the extended period of time Catt spent at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, working relentlessly to persuade Tennessee congressmen to give women the vote.

Catt’s speaking and organizational skills led to ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote in August 1920. She replaced Susan B. Anthony as the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and founded the League of Women Voters. Simply put, Carrie Chapman Catt was a force to be reckoned with throughout her life. Her narrative offers a compelling story that is important to Iowa — and the nation.

In addition to the documentary, Iowa PBS created a variety of resources for Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women. Throughout 2020, viewers have enjoyed digital features exploring the lives of Catt and other notable suffragists, the fight for women’s rights and the lasting impacts of the suffrage movement. Iowa PBS also created and organized numerous educational resources for use in and out of the classroom for learners of all ages. Digital extras and resources related to Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women can be found at iowapbs.org/catt.

Find Iowa PBS programs and extras on your favorite video platform with the PBS Video App, iowapbs.org, Facebook or YouTube, or stream Iowa PBS .1 live on YouTube TV. The PBS Video App is available on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Google Chromecast.