The Heritage Society will host the Drive for Equality Golden Flyer Tour II on Saturday, March 21 as part of a monthlong series of programs celebrating Women’s History Month. The event, which begins at 10 a.m. at 1100 Bagby St., will feature the Golden Flyer II, a golden yellow roadster modeled after the 1916 car used by suffragists Alice Burke and Nell Richardson during their cross‑country campaign for women’s voting rights.
The national Drive for Equality tour has been traveling across the country, stopping in cities from coast to coast to meet with mayors, women’s organizations, and community leaders. The tour aims to raise past, current, and future awareness about the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment. The Houston stop was organized by Mary Quinn, a longtime Houston attorney and community volunteer.
Suffragettes Alice Burke and Nell Richardson in the suffrage automobile “Golden Flyer” in which they[drove] from New York to San Francisco. April 7, 1916. (Photo from the George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress)
“This event brings history to life in a way that is both meaningful and energizing,” Quinn said. “The Golden Flyer II reminds us that ordinary women once took extraordinary risks to demand equality. We hope this gathering encourages our community to reflect on that legacy and to continue the work they began.”
The program will also include an appearance by author Jeryl R. Schriever, whose books Driving the Vote for Women: An American Journey for Suffrage and The Yellow Road to Victory chronicle the original suffrage road trip and the women who used the open road as a platform for political change. Fun fact: the women picked up a stray black cat along the way, and she went on the campaign with them.
The Heritage Society is marking Women’s History Month with additional events highlighting women’s contributions to Houston and the nation. On March 19, the organization will host a Lunch and Learn program featuring author Linda Dodge discussing “A Museum is Born,” her work on the development of Houston’s museum community. On March 21 at 10 a.m., visitors can attend the Drive for Equality National Suffragists Tour and Car Viewing. The month concludes with an Evening Speaker Series program on March 26 at 6 p.m. titled “How Las Rancheras Helped the American Revolution,” exploring the roles women played in early American history.
The Heritage Society is also working with the Houston Suffragists Project and other women’s organizations to highlight under told stories about women’s history and offers docent‑led women’s historic house tours year‑round.
“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the women who shaped our city, our state and our nation,” said Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society. “By hosting the Golden Flyer Tour II and presenting programs that highlight women’s leadership across centuries, we are sharing stories of courage, advocacy and resilience that continue to inspire progress today.”
All events are open to the public, and the organization encourages women’s groups and civic organizations to attend. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas St. For more information, visit https://www.heritagesociety.org/calendar.