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 As a thirty-two year old mother of three, Elizabeth Cady Stanton felt like a "caged lioness" trapped and isolated in her home. When she shared her frustration with a group of Quaker abolitionists on July 9th, 1848, the other women not only agreed, but also demanded immediate action. Ten days later in the Wesleyan Chapel of Seneca Falls, New York, they held the First Women's Rights Convention in American history. While women have achieved greater equality with the vote, property rights and education, the revolution continues throughout the world today. Find out how it all began at Women's Rights National Historical Park.
The park consists of four major historical properties and a state of the art Visitor Center. Start at the Visitor Center where you can view
an inspirational film and exhibits. Continue to the Wesleyan Chapel and imagine being a participant at the First Women's Rights Convention. Next, take a tour of the Elizabeth Cady Stanton home where she raised seven children and created a movement.
In nearby Waterloo, the restored home of Thomas and Mary Ann M'Clintock is open to the public. Site of the planning for the First Women's Rights Convention, the M'Clintock House contains exhibits about the family's Quaker faith, and their work in Anti-Slavery and Women's Rights. Nearby, the home of Richard and Jane Hunt is open to the public only on special occasions. Call for more information.
Getting There:
From the New York Thruway (I-90) take exit 41 (Route 414). Turn right onto Route 414 after exiting the tolls. Follow Route 414 for approximately four miles. At the intersections of Routes 414 and Route 5/Route 20 (the same road at this point), turn left onto Route 5/20. Follow for approximately one and a half miles into the village of Seneca Falls. The Visitor Center is on the left at 136 Fall Street as you enter the downtown area. There is a tall white flag pole in front of the building. The Wesleyan Chapel is next to the Visitor Center, with Declaration Park situated between the two structures.
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