Photo of a man with a beard, standing in front of the Erie Canal.
Graphic of three test tubes with the liquid the color of purple, white and yellow.

Special Guest Talk by Patrick Stenshorn (Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor) - “From Suffrage to STEM: The Erie Canal’s Impact on the Women’s Rights Movement”

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Special Event
  • Apr 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM
  • Free

This presentation examines how the Erie Canal served as a catalyst for the 19th‑century Women’s Suffrage Movement, highlighting the ways this transformative waterway expanded political, social, and economic opportunities for women. It will also explore how those increased opportunities along the canal opened new pathways for women to participate in scientific and technical fields, ultimately shaping broader movements for gender equality.

About the Presenter: 

Patrick Stenshorn is the Education Program Manager for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. He works with teachers and cultural organizations to develop K-12 resources about New York State's canals. He also manages a small grants program called "Ticket to Ride" which supports school field trips to canal related sites and museums. Patrick has a B.A. in history from SUNY Geneseo and a M.A. in American History from SUNY Brockport. He has previously held positions at Women's Rights National Historical Park and the Albany Institute of History & Art. 

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

The Guntzel Theater is located on the first floor of the visitor center of Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, New York.

Latitude and Longitude 42.910658, -76.800146

Schedule

Date:

Apr 17, 2026

Time:

1:00 PM

Duration:

45 minutes

45 minutes

Contact Information

Visitor Center
315-568-0024
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Partner Program
  • Talk
Tags: stem, erie canalway nhc, erie canal, womens history, women's rights