Connie Cook: A Documentary - Screening & Panel

Connie Cook: A Documentary

Screening & Panel Discussion

 July 28th, 2021

5:30-7pm - In-Person

CAP ArtSpace/Gallery at the Tompkins Center for History & Culture on the Ithaca Commons

Constance Eberhardt Cook was a woman ahead of her time. As one of only three women in the New York State Assembly in the 1960's and 70's, Connie Cook led extraordinary efforts - against the odds - to create change within a male-dominated government. As a Republican Assemblywoman for New York's 125th District she sought equality and fought for women's rights. She authored legislation in 1970 that decriminalized abortion in New York State, which paved the way for Roe vs. Wade in 1973. Connie Cook - leader, legislator, advocate and attorney - was a woman ahead of her time. 

Screening of the 56-minute documentary about Connie Cook will be followed by a panel discussion on the legacy of Connie's life both locally and nationally, with Sue Perlgut of CloseToHome Productions, Carol Kammen - Tompkins County Historian, Sally True, and Cathy Cook. This event is free and does not require pre-registration. Mask wearing will be required to ensure this is an accessible event for younger audiences and those ineligible for vaccinations.

Connie Cook was born in Shaker Heights Ohio, and grew up in New York City. She attended Cornell University, graduating in 1941, and received her law degree from Cornell Law School in 1943. She later served as the vice president for Cornell's land grant affairs, making her the first female vice president in Cornell history. Connie moved back to Ithaca, following her legal studies in Norway at the Novel Institute in Oslo and The Hague Academy of International Law. Connie lived in Ithaca for over sixty years. Raising her two children, boating on Cayuga Lake, serving 12 years in the New York State Assembly, authoring legislation on women's reproductive rights, running a private legal practice, and aiding in the growth and development of many notable organizations including: Planned Parenthood, Family & Children Services, National Organization for Women, Tompkins County Public Library, and the Tompkins County Bar Association among many others. 

This free community event is sponsored by Carol Bushberg Real Estate and CloseToHome Productions in collaboration with The History Center in Tompkins County as part of the 'Breaking Barriers: Women's Lives & Livelihoods' exhibit and film series. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/Breaking-Barriers.