Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s suffrage, honor historic women

SENECA FALLS, N.Y. (WHEC) — Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region lies the birthplace of women’s suffrage.

News10NBC’s Jenny Ly went to Seneca Falls today where the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission was joined by the Town of Seneca Falls to honor the earliest chapters in the story of women’s fight for the vote.

“Being here in Seneca Falls is like being part of history…it’s like being part of our nation’s story and our nation’s civil rights movements,” Gillibrand said.

It is a legacy started over a century ago by four courageous women with a vision for change and equality for all.

“I’m proud to be the first female elected in the 54th district. I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for Harriet Tubman, known as the Moses of our People, said New York State Senator Pam Helming representing the 54th district.

Today, acknowledged by elected officials and people from the Seneca Falls community including members of the Cayuga and Onondaga Nations, four female activists of their time: Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Laura Cornelius Kellogg and Martha Coffin Wright will be forever remembered through a dedication of their statues called Ripples of Change. Designed by renowned sculptor Jane DeDecker, the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission collaborated with the Town of Seneca to dedicate the set.

These activists walked these very grounds at the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, leading the fight for the 19th amendment so that women, regardless of race or status, could have the right to vote.

“I think it’s important that every kid knows every story that has helped to get us where we are today, and I want to make sure that our young people here know that no matter your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation – whatever it is that you are – you are a valuable part of our community. You’re a valuable part of our society, and these statues help to cement that," Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin said.

The 19th amendment was ultimately passed in 1920 which means the centennial anniversary was last year during the height of the pandemic.