Commemorating Suffrage Day, Whanganui Regional Museum Kaihāpai Kōrero/Archivist, Sandi Black will present a discussion focusing on local woman Sarah Maude Rule and her relationship, marriage and divorce in the 1920s, set against societal expectations and legal rights at the time, and considering how legalities have changed since. Sandi will explore the history of divorce and women’s post-marriage rights in New Zealand, using the case of Whanganui residents Basil and Sarah Rule who married in 1908 and divorced in 1929. “Relationship breakups are never easy, and this research has uncovered some of the stories and attitudes towards marriage and divorce in the 19th and early 20th century that have left me feeling very grateful to be living in the 21st.”

Admission for the talk is $10.00. Swap a ‘Kate Sheppard’ for an hour of enlightenment!

Venue: Davis Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum. No need to book, just come along.