Image of Amelia Bloomer

Petticoats or Pants? Fashion & the Fight for Women’s Rights

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Special Event
  • Nov 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Free

Join Women’s Rights National historical Park in a free event to commemorate Amelia Bloomer on Saturday, November 21st!

  In the mid-nineteenth century, women’s clothing was often designed to reflect societal expectations of femininity and respectability, rather than ease of movement.  The “Bloomer costume” visibly challenged these conventions and would become a symbol of dress reform and women’s rights.  Although Amelia Bloomer did not invent the costume, she popularized the style through her newspaper, The Lily, and by wearing it herself.  Join a ranger to explore how a pair of pants could spark debate around who makes the rules of fashion and society – and what happens when women dare to break them!

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

All programs and activities will take place at the Visitor Center, located at 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.

Latitude and Longitude 42.910666, -76.800149

Schedule

Date:

Nov 21, 2026

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

2 hours

This program is a drop-in program, and visitors are welcome to participate at any time between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.

Contact Information

Visitor Center
(315) 568-0024
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Talk
Tags: amelia bloomer, women's rights, special event