The history of Vineland is a tale of progression. Fifty-two years before the passing of the 19th amendment, 172 women from Vineland, including four African-Americans, symbolically cast their ballots for the 1868 presidential election. Led by Portia Gage, the women bravely set up their blueberry crate ballot box in the corner of a backroom within Plum Street Hall, and voted for the next president of the United States, ushering in a new era for women’s rights. The unseasonably warm November day of 1868 was a portend for a brighter, yet still unsettled time for women in the United States. 

In honor of these trailblazing women, the Vineland Historical Society and Vineland Chamber of Commerce hosted a voting reenactment and celebration reception October 27th & 28th, 2024.