Park Celebrates 163rd Anniversary of the First Women's Rights Convention with Rededication of the Newly Rehabilitated Wesleyan Chapel

Date: July 5, 2011
Contact: Lee Werst, 315.568.5302

Women's Rights National Historical Park announced today that it will offer several special events as part of the annual commemoration of the Seneca Falls First Women's Rights Convention, including the rededication of the Wesleyan Chapel where the convention was held on July 19 and 20, 1848.

"We are excited about the completion of the Wesleyan Chapel rehabilitation project," said Park Superintendent Tina Orcutt. "This was the site of a revolution for equal rights, and it will continue to inspire and educate future generations."

The weekend celebration begins on Friday, July 15, with a program by Ranger David Malone entitled "From Chapel to Monument: The Evolutionary Stages of the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel." This illustrated program begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Guntzel Theater at the Park's Visitor Center. Visitors can also browse the exhibits or view the film "Dreams of Equality" at the Visitor Center, which will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, scheduled tours of the Chapel and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House will be offered throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, July 16 the park will hold several special events. At 10:00 a.m. visitors can listen to "The Hutchinson Family Revival," a costumed musical ensemble performing Victorian-era songs. The Wesleyan Chapel rededication ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin at 11:00 a.m. and feature several speakers, including Coline Jenkins, the great-great-granddaughter of convention organizer Elizabeth Cady Stanton, as well as U.S. Representatives Richard Hanna and Carolyn B. Maloney. Dr. Melinda Grube will also be on hand to portray Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.

The schedule for the anniversary weekend's events will be updated on the park's website. For more information call 315.568.0024.

Women's Rights National Historical Park exists to commemorate and preserve the story of the First Women's Rights Convention and historical structures associated with it in Seneca Falls and Waterloo, New York. All public tours and programs are free and open to the public.