Victor, NY— Depending on one’s familiarity with the important political and social status of women in traditional Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) culture, a connection with Matilda Joslyn Gage—19th century visionary for women’s rights—may come as a surprise. A day trip on Thursday, July 12, 2012 hosted by Friends of Ganondagan to the historic Gage Home in Fayetteville, NY will provide the opportunity to discover and explore this extraordinary link.

A progressive leader for women’s rights and human liberation, Gage was inspired by the political power, responsibility, and social status of women in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy which helped convince her and her contemporaries that women’s subordination was neither natural nor ordained by God. The Haudenosaunee Room at the Gage Home is a testament to the strength of that inspiration.

The all-inclusive Friends of Ganondagan-sponsored bus trip is $75, and follows this schedule:

  • 9:30 am, bus leaves from lower parking lot at Ganondagan State Historic Site (1441 State Rte 444 in Victor), arrives at Gage Home in Fayetteville, NY by approximately 11:15 am
  • 11:30 am-1 pm, private tour beginning in Haudenosaunee Room
  • 1-3 pm, custom-prepared* High Tea/Lunch at Gage Home, with opportunity to converse with docents. (*Gluten-free meals can be requested with advanced notice by June 28.)
  • 3:00 pm, bus leaves Gage Home, returning to Ganondagan by 5:00 pm.

Pre-registration is required by Thursday, June 28, with a minimum number of registrants (20) necessary. Visit www.ganondagan.org/programs/SistersInSpirit.html or call 585-742-1690 for complete information and registration form.

Matilda Joslyn Gage—with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony—wrote the arguments, inspired the passions, and organized the political action of the 19th century women's suffrage movement in the U.S. In 1893, she was adopted into the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk Nation and given the name “Ka-ron-ien-ha-wi,” or “Sky Carrier.” Considered for full voting rights in her adopted nation, she was arrested in her own nation for voting in a local school board election the same year.