Find Women's History in the Finger Lakes
Of course it all begins with Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the Women's Suffrage Movement in America, but the past, present and future of the Finger Lakes is female. Our history is full of woman innovators in abolitionism, suffragism, business, aviation and more. Find Women's history at the following destinations and find yourself in the Finger Lakes.
Women's Rights National Historical Park
Women's Rights National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service, commemorates the first Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls in 1848. The site includes the Wesleyan Chapel, where the convention was held, and the homes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Mary Ann M'Clintock, two of the five planners of the convention. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round from 9-5 except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Guided tours of the sites are available. For further information, visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/wori or call 315-568-0024
The Inn is named after Belva Lockwood, a notable suffragist who was the principal of a women's seminary that was on the property in the 1800’s. Belva Lockwood would go on to earn her law degree and become the first female lawyer to argue in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. She wast he first woman to run for president of the U.S. in 1884 and again in 1888, decades before women could even vote. She spent her life advocating for equal rights for all.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Get a glimpse of women's leadership in education, the creation of cottage industry and more at Genesee Country Village & Museum, NYS' largest living history museum. It maintains the third-largest collection of historic buildings in the US. Costumed "interpreters" bring the 1800s to life throughout the historic village. The John L. Wehle Gallery presents permanent works in a series of themed rooms, as well as varying changing exhibits. GCV&M's Nature Center has miles of beautiful hiking trails. There are restaurants and gift shops on-site. Trolley service is available most weekends and by reservation. GCV&M is just 30 minutes from Rochester and an hour from Buffalo off of NYS Thruway (I-90), Exits 46 & 47. Open May-October with special events all year long. Closed Mondays except for holidays. General admission and special event admission rates; group rates are available.
Visit the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York and discover the stories of great American women who have shaped the nation. Learn about over 300 women and their pioneering contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, humanities, philanthropy, and science. The NWHF Inductees include Linda Alvarado, Maya Angelou, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Blackwell, Althea Gibson, Wilhelmina Cole Holladay, Dolores Huerta, Maya Lin, Juliette Gordon Low, Wilma Mankiller, Sandra Day O’Connor, Sally Ride, Harriet Tubman, and many more!
National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
Before you cast your "VOTE", "ELECT" to visit the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House! Anthony, leader for women's rights, made her national headquarters in her Madison Street home in Rochester. Come visit!
