In the summer of 1990, a coalition of women’s group on Cape Cod, Massachusetts sought to develop a program that would educate, break the silence and bear witness to one issue – violence against women.

The idea of using the clothesline was a natural. Doing laundry was always considered women’s work, and in the days of close-knit neighborhoods, women often exchanged information over backyard fences while hanging their clothes out to dry.

The concept was simple – let each woman tell her story in her own unique way, using words and/or artwork to decorate her shirt. Once finished, she would hang her shirt on the clothesline for others to view. The action served more than one purpose; it acted as an educational tool for family and friends, a healing tool for survivors, and an awareness tool for those still suffering in silence to know they are not alone.

The Clothesline Project has become internationally recognized with active projects as far away as Tanzania.

Susan B. Anthony Project’s Clothesline Project can be viewed online and on display at both the DVAM and SAAM annual vigils. The Clothesline Project will also be available for viewing at the Torrington Library throughout the month of April.