Women's Rights NHP Welcomes New Citizens

NPS

Judge Marian Payson administers the oath in the Wesleyan Chapel.

Date: August 19, 2011
Contact: Tammy Ann Duchesne, 315.568.2991

The Wesleyan Chapel was the setting for the Western District of New York's United States Court Naturalization ceremony on August 19th, 2011.

Superintendent Tammy Duchesne welcomed the new citizenship candidates and their family members to the Women's Rights National Historical Park. In her opening remarks she explained the significance of the Wesleyan Chapel describing that in 1848, an estimated 300 men and women gathered and declared that "all men and women were created equal" and that women, as citizens, must be afforded the right to vote. Duchesne went on to explain that several other NPS sites commemorate important historical events and chronicle the fight for civil rights and equality.

Honorable Marian W. Payson then spoke to the candidates and their families about the importance of becoming engaged citizens and about the privilege and responsibility associated with voting. She encouraged each candidate to use the right to vote to promote justice and human rights for all.

After welcoming remarks from the Superintendent and Judge Payson, 23 candidates from 13 countries took the oath of allegiance and were sworn in as United States Citizens. Candidates came from countries such as Mexico, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Cameroon, South Korea, and the Philippines. There was a feeling of pride and joy in the air and many candidates and their loved ones were tearful.

Following the ceremony, the new citizens and their families attended a small reception at the park's Visitor Center and were then encouraged to explore the museum exhibits and to enjoy ranger led programs. Women's Rights NHP and the park's staff was honored to host the naturalization ceremony and to be the first park these visitors were able to enjoy and experience as new American citizens.