Anne Brancato Wood (1903-1972)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A child of Italian immigrants, Brancato entered Democratic city politics in 1928. One of few women in the state assembly (1932-41), she sponsored pioneering social reform legislation. Her business offices were located here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In an era when women had held the vote for barely a decade, Anne Brancato Wood — the daughter of Italian immigrants — broke into the rough world of Philadelphia Democratic politics in 1928 and won a seat in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1932. As one of the very few women in Harrisburg through 1941, she championed social-reform legislation at a time when the New Deal was reshaping what government owed its citizens. Her business offices once stood at this South Philadelphia address.
Why it matters
Her career marks the arrival of immigrant-community women in American electoral power, and a widening of who got to write the nation's social-welfare laws.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Visitor Center0.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.8 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.2 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.4 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- President's House0.8 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Burger King0.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.6 mi away
- Fat Salmon0.6 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar0.6 mi away
Places to stay
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express0.2 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.2 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Anne Brancato Wood
Themes & tags
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