GFWC Ossoli Circle and the Knoxville Suffrage Coalition co-hosted a reception honoring Ellie Smeal of Ms. Magazine on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at the Ossoli Circle Clubhouse.  What an exciting night for two of the long-standing women’s organizations to unite in welcoming Ellie to Knoxville.  Ms. Smeal, keynote speaker for the the Febb Burns Dinner, gave those in attendance a chance to chat with her one-on one and have a picture taken with this women’s and human rights activist.  Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Mary Kellogg, former owner and curator of the Titanic Museum. Coalition President Wanda Sobieski announced Kellogg will be partnering with the Knoxville Suffrage Coalition to create the Suffrage Museum which will be located on Gay Street in Knoxville, TN. 

The reception was a wonderful time to meet new people, exchange ideas and strengthen the bonds of friendships.  Surrounded by suffrage gold and purple as well as life-like cutout of suffrage pioneers (including our own founder, Lizzie French) guests recalled stories of the road which gave women the right to vote in Tennessee.  

Ossoli Circle was well represented at the Febb Burns Dinner on Monday night.  This dinner was a tremendous sell-out success!  Once again, everyone in attendance was mesmerized by the messages delivered by both Ellie Smeal and Mary Kellogg.