SENECA FALLS:
In 1848, a group of women made a radical decision to hold a convention in Seneca Falls, New York challenging America to a social revolution. At this time, women held an inferior status in society. They could not vote, attend college, divorce husbands, sue, serve on juries, control money and in most cases own property. Elizabeth Stanton and Lucretia Mott as well as other prominent women of the time met and wrote the Declaration of Sentiments challenging the above issues. Over 300 people attended the conference including Frederick Douglass. They met for two days creating a path that in time would change history for women. The declaration was signed by 100 people at the convention. Many did not sign in fear of repercussions for them or their families. These women took a chance and became pioneers in social reform. Interestingly enough, women would not get the right to vote for another 72 years.
In the classroom, teaching students the struggles that women went through to get these rights and the people they stood up to is something that should be discussed in class. Having students create a timeline of history and including the roles of women and their rights is an activity we do in class. A great activity in class is study gender stereotypes today. We look at jobs, pay, education, clothing, and advertising. Also, comparing women’s role in our country with other countries is an eye opener to students.
After leaving the museum we toured a few of the activist’s houses and saw where they met and organized. The one house that sticks out was the McClintock house. This is where the women met to write their declaration. The McClintocks were also stout social reformists. When religions were being challenged, the US was expanding and people were beginning to rebel, the McClintocks challenged government policy, health practices, slavery and women’s rights. They worked to remove the barriers of bigotry and superstition. They raised money to help with the anti-slavery movement and Indian affairs. Their home was also part of the Underground Railroad where they harbored runway slaves.
The Seward museum was a great museum. The former governor and Secretary of State to Lincoln was a visionary. His museum was filled with original artifacts including items with the Alaska purchase and part of his bloody bed sheets from the assassination attempt. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and informative and told many stories that I will be able to share with my students on the life of Seward. Seward said that his three top policies during his time was a treaty with China, anti-slavery and the purchase of Alaska. Another thing about the museum that will help in the classroom is the videoconferencing the museum offers. They are able to bring the museum into the classroom bringing history alive for the students.
Our day ended on a nice ride along the Erie Canal in Rochester. The canal is an amazing feat of construction. With about 500 miles of canal its locks system that we were able to go on were amazing. The locks which carry the boat to different levels fills up with over 3miilion gallons of water in minutes. It was a nice way to end a long day.
0 Responses to “SENECA FALLS”