The National Womens Hall of Fame. Seneca Falls NY

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The town of Seneca Falls, NY has a long history in the movement for women’s rights. In 1848 the town was the site of the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention in the United States. So, when organizers were looking to found the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls was the natural place for its home.




The National Women’s Hall of Fame (NWHOF) was incorporated in 1969, and inducted its first class in 1973. The NWHOF was first hosted on the campus of Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls. In 1976 it moved into its second home, a refurbished bank building on Fall St., the town’s main drag. 




In 2007, the Hall acquired the former home of the Seneca Falls Knitting Factory, the town’s last tie to its industrial history. It then took on a thirteen year renovation project, and in 2020 the third home of the NWHOF opened. Its new home offers two large floors of exhibition space. On the ground floor is the their permanent exhibit, showcasing the history of the women’s movement, the history of building, and large scrolls honoring the inducted members.








The second floor is dedicated to temporary exhibits. In the fall of 2025 there were three different shows on display. Creating Childhood Wonder:Women Illustrators of the Golden Age shows original drawings used in children’s books from the early 1900’s, all created by women artists.


Drawings by Walter Bobbit (left), K.R. Wireman (top center and right), and Sarah Noble Ives (bottom)

Women Walking with Pail by W.E. Spader

Illustration from Story Plays Old and New by Ruth Hallock

Illustration from Happy Tales for Story Time by Maginel Wright Enright

Illustration from Story Plays Old and New



The second exhibit is Resilient and Regal Feminity. Mary Church Terrell and the Traveling Griots. Mary Church Terrell was the first Black woman to earn a college degree in the U.S., the first Black woman to serve on the school board of a major city (Washington DC), and a founder of the National Association of Colored Women. The exhibit takes on the idea of the griot and represents several historically important Black women in the form of life-sized dolls.





 

The third exhibit is a selection of paintings by Pamela Araya. Avenida Nosara explores themes of land displacement, resilience, and the struggle foresightful belonging. Araya was born in Costa Rica, and now lives and works in Central New York State.

 


Daughter of Immigrants by Pamela Araya


Social Burden by Pamela Araya

El Comienza by Pamela Araya

 

When you stop in Seneca Falls to explore the history of the women’s movement, make sure to visit the National Women’s hall of Fame. It is an excellent addition to the town’s offerings.





Nuts and Bolts


  • The NWHOF is open Tues - Sat from 11:00AM - 4:00 PM. The entrance fee is $7 adults/ $6 seniors, veterans, & students/ $5 Children 
Location: 1 Canal St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA

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