Advocate for Change: Rosika Schwimmer, 1910s

This photograph features Rosika Schwimmer, an influential figure in early 20th-century social reform and womens rights. Taken between 1910 and 1915 by the Bain News Service, the image is a glass negative that captures a pivotal moment in history when women were increasingly voicing their demands for equality and suffrage. Schwimmer, born in Hungary in 1877, later moved to the United States, where she became known for her activism and strong advocacy for peace during World War I.

Throughout her life, Schwimmer challenged conventions, fighting for not just womens rights but also for broader societal change. She played a significant role in the international womens peace movement, actively participating in conferences and public demonstrations. Her contributions highlight a transformative period in U.S. history, which set the stage for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. The photograph serves as a visual reminder of the individuals who contributed to these monumental shifts in societal norms and laws.