SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Seneca Falls is the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement. More than a century later, that same town is home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, honoring women from all backgrounds and their achievements.
Inside an old knitting mill sits pictures, plaques and personal belongings — all honoring the history of women.
Shirley Hartley moved to Seneca Falls in the 1960s and quickly became inspired by the history of the town. When she realized there weren’t any places honoring their stories, she decided to create one.
“The fact that the hall of fame of great Americans could only find nine women out of 110 people that kind of stirred me up a little bit,” said Harley. “You know, I thought maybe that there’s more to it than there are. And these women are fantastic.”
The National Women’s Hall of Fame was founded in 1969. It’s the country’s first and oldest nonprofit organization and museum celebrating the achievements of women.
The first class inducted included suffragettes Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton — along with women whose stories hadn’t been told before.
“Women have done such a variety of things for our history. We make sure those stories stay relevant and known,” said Julie Bazan, the current director of operations for the gall.
More than 300 women now have a place inside the hall, and every two years about a dozen more get inducted. As this year’s class of scientists, poets, spies and more get ready to take their spot, those with the hall say it’s all about showing the next generation what’s possible.
“I hope that other young women see this, recognize this, and maybe that will motivate them to do something outstanding with their life,” said Hartley.
“Men, women, boys, girls, I want people to walk away from the hall saying, ‘that’s fascinating,’ and, ‘that’s amazing they did that.’ If one person does that from a visit here, I feel our work has been done,” said Bazan.
Ten women are taking their place inside the hall this year.