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niyad

(112,436 posts)
Mon Jul 20, 2015, 12:29 PM Jul 2015

5 Things You May Not Know About the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention

5 Things You May Not Know About the Seneca Falls Convention



"The First Wave" statue exhibit in the lobby of the Women's Rights National Historical Park visitor center in Seneca Falls, NY.

July 19-20 marks the anniversary of the Women's Rights Convention, a.k.a., the Seneca Falls Convention. This two-day convention held in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848 is hailed as the first women's rights convention. Over 300 men and women gathered together to "discuss the social, civil and religious rights and condition of woman." Notable reformers were present, such as Frederick Douglas. It launched the national career of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. And it set into motion events and relationships that would forever change American society. Here are five things you may not know about the convention:

1. More People Signed the Declaration of Sentiments than the Declaration of Independence



Elizabeth Cady Stanton and members of Mary Ann M'Clintock's family drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, modeled after the Deceleration of Independence. Like its inspiration, it outlined the injustices women faced and put forth 11 resolutions the convention adopted that were crucial to women realizing equality in American life. The ninth resolution, the most famous, was that women deserved and should seek the vote. 100 people signed the Declaration of Sentiments. The Declaration of Independence had 56 signatures.

. . . . .

3. Amelia Bloomer Did Not Sign the Declaration of Sentiments



Amelia Bloomer was another national figure at Seneca Falls. She was famous for her work in the Dress Reform movement and educating women about the physical dangers of Victorian clothing. She is also responsible for creating one of the most celebrated female partnerships in American history by introducing Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Susan B. Anthony, who also wore the Bloomer Fashion for a short period of time. Amelia Bloomer did not sign the Declaration of Sentiments. Some believe this is because she thought it would detract from the Temperance Movement. In her biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, historian Elizabeth Griffith states there is even doubt that Amelia Bloomer actually attended the meeting.


4. Only One Signer of the Declaration of Sentiments Lived to see the Passage of the 19th Amendment



Charlotte Woodward Pierce was 18 or 19 when she was at the Seneca Falls Convention. Of the 68 women who signed, she was the only one who lived to 1920 when the 19th Amendment was passed. Not much is known about her life. She was teaching by the age of 15 but also doing domestic and sewing work as well. She was in her early 90s when women won the right to vote and donated a trowel to the National Women's Party in 1921 as they broke ground on their new headquarters. Sadly, she never actually voted. She was ill and confined to her bed on Election Day in 1920.






http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-price/5-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-seneca-falls-convention_b_7818812.html
Declaration of Sentiments Water Wall at the Women's Rights National Historical Park.

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