Program

National Votes for Women Trail

Subject

People

Location

11 5th Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Lat/Long

43.07931, -73.77526

Grant Recipient

National Collaborative for Women's History Sites

Kathryn Starbuck was an organizer and leader in the suffrage movement throughout her life. Born in 1887, she would go on to serve as a District Leader of the New York State Woman Suffrage Party, and she would run for the position of New York State Assembly in 1918. Starbuck was also a lawyer; she became one of the first women to graduate from Albany Law School in 1914. She was admitted to the New York State Bar Association the following year.

Starbuck became involved in the women’s suffrage movement while attending college and then in her hometown of Saratoga Springs. Here, she was instrumental in galvanizing the women of Saratoga County, delivering speeches and organizing events throughout the community.

After woman acquired the right to vote in New York beginning in 1917, Starbuck then committed herself to educating women about how best to use their hard-fought right to the ballot booth. She also vied for political office, and although her bid for the New York State Assembly was unsuccessful she remained involved in politics as the first chairperson of the Saratoga County League of Woman Voters. Starbuck also worked as a professor of law at Skidmore College. Here, she also served as the secretary of the school and was responsible for public relations. Along with her position at Skidmore College, Starbuck served as the President of the Saratoga Springs Board of Education, highlighting her dedication to learning.

Starbuck passed away on November 19th, 1965 following a life of civic, social, educational and political leadership. The marker is located on the site of Starbuck’s former house.