Alva Belmont

Alva Erskine Belmont, born on January 17, 1853, emerged as a formidable force in American society, known for her vibrant personality and unwavering commitment to women's rights. Initially recognized as Alva Vanderbilt from 1875 to 1896, she was a multi-millionaire socialite who used her wealth and influence to advocate for social change.

In 1909, Alva founded the Political Equality Association, aiming to support suffrage-friendly politicians in New York State. Her activism extended to writing articles for newspapers and joining the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). She later established her own Political Equality Association, which sought to mobilize support for suffrage across New York City, leading the division that participated in the historic 1912 Women's Votes Parade.

Alva's dedication to the cause of women's suffrage culminated in her role as a founding member of the National Woman's Party in 1916. She organized the first-ever picketing of the White House in January 1917 and served as the party's president until her passing in 1933. Her legacy was honored on April 12, 2016, when President Barack Obama designated the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C., in her and Alice Paul's honor.

Throughout her life, Alva was also known for her impressive architectural projects, including the Petit Chateau in New York, the Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, and Beacon Towers in Sands Point, New York. She was married twice, first to William Kissam Vanderbilt, with whom she had three children, and later to Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont.