In the presence of a mediator, delve into the history of women's suffrage in France from the Liberation period to the first women's votes. Archives from the Mayenne region add to the tour, providing a local perspective on this historic transformation.
The exhibition "Women go to the polls, October 1944 - October 1945" was designed by the Institut d'Histoire du Temps Présent (IHTP) after four years of collective research on the subject, in anticipation of its 80th anniversary in 2024-2025.
Through 25 panels, the exhibition takes a chronological and thematic look at the period from the Liberation to the analysis of women's first votes, including their journey from minors to citizens and the questions raised by this new right in a society devastated by war. The panels are illustrated by a wealth of archive material, including personal accounts, women's newspapers, photographs, leaflets and ballot papers. They are also accompanied by documents held at the Archives de la Mayenne, to give the exhibition a local flavour.
An interpreter will be on hand to guide you through the exhibition and answer any questions you may have.
Through 25 panels, the exhibition takes a chronological and thematic look at the period from the Liberation to the analysis of women's first votes, including their journey from minors to citizens and the questions raised by this new right in a society devastated by war. The panels are illustrated by a wealth of archive material, including personal accounts, women's newspapers, photographs, leaflets and ballot papers. They are also accompanied by documents held at the Archives de la Mayenne, to give the exhibition a local flavour.
An interpreter will be on hand to guide you through the exhibition and answer any questions you may have.
Opening times
Opening times
On 7 February 2026
- 14:00 at 17:00
On 7 March 2026
- 14:00 at 17:00
On 25 April 2026
- 14:00 at 17:00
Location
Location
Contact Ouverture exceptionnelle de l'exposition "Les femmes vont voter, octobre 1944 - octobre 1945"
