Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

Wesleyan Chapel, site of the 1848 Women's Rights Convention

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Seneca Falls, New York, USA

Significance:

Location of the first American women's rights convention in 1848.

Designation:

National Historical Park

Amenities

11 listed

Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Junior Ranger Activity, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Parking - Auto, Theater/Auditorium, Wheelchair Accessible

The Wesleyan Chapel was built in 1843. On July 19 and 20, 1848, the First Women's Rights Convention was held here. Even though Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the only one of the five organizers to live in Seneca Falls, the Wesleyan Chapel was well known to them all. The church was a local haven for antislavery activity, political rallies, and free speech events.

The original red brick Wesleyan Methodist Church was sold by the congregation in 1871 and extensively altered by subsequent owners. When the site was purchased by the National Park Service in 1985, very little original fabric remained. The site today offers a unique display of the highlighted historic fabric of the original building.