National Women’s Hall of Fame Honored with Historic Preservation Award
Seneca Falls, NY – The National Women’s Hall of Fame has been honored by the 2025 Historic Preservation Awards by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Our historic home—the Seneca Knitting Mill, built in 1844—received the Joan K. Davidson Award, recognizing nearly a decade of collaborative effort to transform the once-dilapidated mill into a vibrant, accessible museum space. The building is a cornerstone of Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the Women’s Rights...
Coming Soon: Avenida Nosara — A New Solo Exhibition by Pamela Araya
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is honored to present Avenida Nosara, a compelling new solo exhibition by visual artist Pamela Araya, opening on June 28. Through evocative color, symbolic storytelling, and figurative imagery, Avenida Nosara challenges viewers to consider colonization not as a distant historical event, but as an enduring mindset—one that continues to shape the experiences of Indigenous, immigrant, and marginalized communities today. Araya’s work is both personal and...
Real Women Have Curves: The Musical – A New Broadway Triumph in Partnership with the Hall
We are proud to announce our partnership with the critically acclaimed new Broadway production, Real Women Have Curves: The Musical — a story as bold, brilliant, and unapologetically real as the women we honor at the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Based on the beloved play by Josefina López and the HBO film of the same name, Real Women Have Curves is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming musical that celebrates female empowerment, personal ambition, and the communities that shape us. With a cast of...
Lace Up for a Cause: Join the 2025 Right to Run 5k/19k!
Exciting news: The 2025 Right to Run 5k/19k is happening May 10th in Seneca Falls, and you can also participate virtually through May 31st – from anywhere in the U.S.! 👉 Sign up for the race today This year, we’re thrilled to announce that the race will start and finish at the National Women’s Hall of Fame – the very place where trailblazing women are honored and celebrated. All participants will also enjoy discounted admission to the Hall on race day just by showing their race bib. Why...
Shape the Future of Women’s History—Executive Director Opportunity
The National Women’s Hall of Fame (Hall) is seeking its next Executive Director. The Hall stands at a critical juncture as it prepares to expand its national footprint, enhance its exhibitions and programming, and strengthen its philanthropic partnerships. What is the Hall looking for in a leader? Someone brimming with energy, fresh ideas, and a creative spirit. A willingness to adapt and grow, to leverage current structures and models for growth while thinking outside the box. The new leader...
Celebrate 1995 Inductee, Amelia Bloomer
The Hall is excited to invite visitors to meet author Sara Catterall this Friday 3/28! Her book about 1995 Hall Inductee Amelia Bloomer is "a fascinating look at an underappreciated woman in American history whose newspaper fostered a national conversation on women’s issues." Friday, March 28th: 📍 10:00am - 1:00pm: Meet Sara at the Women's Rights National Historical Park at 136 Fall St. 📍 1:00pm - 4:00pm: Book Signing and Meet & Greet at the National Women's Hall of Fame, 1 Canal St. 📍...
What is the Role of PR in the Fight for Women’s Rights?
This Friday, March 14th at 6:30pm, join us at the National Women's Hall of Fame! You'll hear an insightful discussion on the power of public relations in advancing women’s rights. Led by PR expert Arien Rozelle from Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications, this event will explore how strategic communication, advocacy, and media influence shape social change. Expect an engaging session filled with real-world examples, strategic insights, and inspiration to use communication...
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Temple Grandin – National Women’s Hall of Fame
This reflection highlights the profound impact of Dr. Temple Grandin, an Inductee of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, on science, education, and the understanding of neurodiversity. Through her groundbreaking advocacy and personal transparency, Grandin has inspired generations to embrace differences as strengths and challenged societal limitations placed on those who think differently. Her story exemplifies the power of visibility, representation, and the importance of telling women’s...
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Hall!
📅 Saturday, March 8th, 6:30 PM 📍 The Hall – Now Reopening for the 2025 Season! Join us for a special evening featuring Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States (inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994), and Jill Tietjen, former CEO of the National Women’s Hall of Fame and bestselling author. Event Highlights: ✨ Live Presentation & Book Signing 📖 Dr. Antonia Novello – Author of Duty Calls: Lessons Learned From an Unexpected...
Join the Hall for a Special Screening of Lilly – Based on the Life of Lilly Ledbetter
Reserve your tickets today! When a hard-working Alabama factory supervisor discovers that for 20 years she’s been earning only half of what men are paid while performing the same job — only because she is a woman — she begins a long journey to fight for justice. Starring Patricia Clarkson, John Benjamin Hickey and Thomas Sadoski, LILLY is based on the remarkable and inspiring life of fair pay activist Lilly Ledbetter, who fought for fair pay from corporations to the courts, then on to the...
An Open Door: Celebrating The Life and Influence of 2017 Inductee Dr. Temple Grandin
An Open Door is the forthcoming documentary that reflects on the influential life and work of 2017 inductee, Dr. Temple Grandin as a champion of the humane treatment of livestock, autism rights, and inclusive neurodiversity by employing her gifted insights from her personal experience with autism and visual thinking. The film speaks with Dr. Grandin, her colleagues, industry professionals and those she has influenced to celebrate her groundbreaking life, lessons learned and lasting legacy. An...
Celebrating 2024 with Gratitude to All Who Support the Hall!
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is proud to reflect on 2024—a year of celebrating and preserving the achievements of women who’ve shaped history. From impactful exhibits to inspiring events, we’ve taken bold steps to amplify women’s voices and legacies. Highlights include: 👉 Hosting the 2024 Induction Ceremony, honoring groundbreaking women (the full recording is below!) 👉 Exhibits like “Art and Craftivism” (with the Finger Lakes Art Council) and Smithsonian’s “Voices and Votes” 👉 Community...
Passing of 2011 Inductee Dr. Loretta C. Ford
The National Women's Hall of Fame is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 2011 Inductee Dr. Loretta C. Ford. As an internationally renowned nursing leader, Dr. Ford is best known for co-founding the nurse practitioner model through her studies on the nurse’s expanded scope of practice in public health nursing. Her visionary work bridged the gap between nursing and medicine, creating a new pathway for compassionate, patient-centered care. She devoted her career to practice, education,...
A Statement From the Hall
For over fifty years, the National Women's Hall of Fame has shone a spotlight on women who have shaped our society. This election cycle has been a testament to the power of women, both as voters and as political candidates, to impact the future of our country. We celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris’s history-making presidential run, the latest in a career of public service dotted by firsts, and thank her for being an inspiration to millions of Americans today and for generations to come....
National Women’s Hall of Fame Announces Interim Director
We are thrilled to announce that Karen A. Macier has joined the National Women’s Hall of Fame as our Interim Director. Karen has dedicated her career to helping non-profits become more effective, sustainable, and mission-driven. She brings extensive experience from esteemed organizations such as the Seneca Museum of Waterways & Industry, United Way of Cayuga County, and United Way of Seneca County. Her visionary leadership and proven track record in guiding organizations to navigate...
National Women’s Hall of Fame Announces Summer 2024 Exhibitions
The National Women’s Hall of Fame announces the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be on view from July 12 to August 23. View the press release here. The exhibition is part of the Museum Association of New York’s humanities discussion series “A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy.” The National Women’s Hall of Fame will use the Smithsonian exhibition as a launching point to explore, reflect on, and share the...
Join the Hall in celebration of our newly renovated space
The National Women's Hall of Fame invites you to the grand opening ceremony for the second floor of our museum in Seneca Falls! A ribbon cutting and celebration will take place on July 12 from 4-6 PM. Guests will have the opportunity to explore two special exhibits: Voices and Votes, Democracy in America, a special exhibit curated by the Smithsonian, and Co-Crafting Democracy, a community-inspired exhibit curated by the Hall to explore how fiber arts play a role in advancing conversations...
National Women’s Hall of Fame to reopen to the public on May 25
The National Women's Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its much-anticipated reopening to the public on May 25, 2024. Following opening day, the museum will welcome visitors every Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The reopening of the National Women's Hall of Fame coincides with the completion of the latest phase of construction at the historic 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill, the Hall's home. The renovated space will offer visitors an enhanced experience as they explore the rich...
National Women’s Hall of Fame announces new funding to continue work at the Seneca Knitting Mill
NY Senators Schumer and Gillibrand championed efforts to ensure women’s stories have a home in the birthplace of Women’s Rights SENECA FALLS, NY... The National Women’s Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that the FY24 appropriations bill signed into law this week includes $500,000 earmarked for continued restoration and renovation of the Seneca Knitting Mill. This announcement comes off the heels of the Hall’s Induction Ceremony in New York City celebrating the accomplishments of 10...
National Women’s Hall of Fame announces 2024 Inductees
Ten women will comprise the first class of Inductees to be honored at a nationally broadcast Induction Ceremony in New York City The National Women's Hall of Fame, the nation's first and oldest nonprofit dedicated to honoring distinguished American women, is honored to announce its 2024 class of Inductees. These extraordinary women, who will join the ranks of the 302 Hall Inductees before them, include Patricia Bath, Ruby Bridges, Elouise Cobell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Peggy McIntosh, Judith...
An open letter to our Seneca Falls community
To our cherished Seneca Falls community, News has broken, and by now you know that the National Women’s Hall of Fame plans to hold the 2024 Induction Ceremony in New York City in March. I knew this venue change would be met with mixed feelings in the community. Naturally when weighing this decision, my board of directors, staff and I certainly anticipated -- and discussed at length -- that our most loyal constituents might feel confused and disappointed by it. This was not a choice made...
What is a hall of fame?
What is a hall of fame? I asked Google. “A hall of fame is a type of museum where people can see things relating to famous people who are connected with a particular area of activity.” I beg to differ. Here’s why. The National Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes women who SHOULD be famous. Most are not, at least by today’s standards. Why is that? Go back to Google and search “the Matilda effect.” Suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage ignited this very conversation in 1870 when she authored the pamphlet...
Why Do We Need A National Women’s Hall of Fame?
In 1969, Shirley Hartley was horrified to learn that less than 10% of the honorees in the Hall of Great Americans were women. This revelation ignited a movement to create a National Women's Hall of Fame that honors women whose contributions span the arts, athletics, business, education, humanities, the sciences, and so much more. I'm often asked the question, "But why do we need a National Women's Hall of Fame? Aren't there enough specific halls of fame that can carry on this work?" This...
The Hall Launches 48 Hours for Equal Rights Giving Challenge
Seneca Falls, NY – In celebration of the 175th anniversary of the historic Seneca Falls Convention and its lasting impact on women's rights, the National Women’s Hall of Fame is excited to announce the launch of the 48 Hours for Equal Rights Giving Challenge, a 48-hour giving campaign aimed at securing 175 gifts. The Seneca Falls Convention, held on July 19-20, 1848, marked a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality. It was the first women's...
National Women’s Hall of Fame Announces Adjusted Gallery Hours
The National Women’s Hall of Fame will adjust its gallery hours for the remainder of 2023, allowing for the continuation of its restoration and rehabilitation work at the Seneca Knitting Mill. “The Hall is so grateful for the continuous support and enthusiasm of our community and your dedication to honoring the achievements of exceptional women throughout history,” said executive director Jennifer Gabriel. "We understand that these reduced hours may cause inconvenience to some of our visitors,...
Take Part in Convention Days Weekend
Each year, the Town of Seneca Falls comes alive in celebration of the anniversary of the the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. This year is a special one as our nation commemorates both the 175th anniversary of the convention as well as the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). To commemorate these historic anniversaries, multiple organizations are coming together to host 3 days of events from Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23. Please note: the National Women's...
Join the 175th Anniversary Relay!
2023 marks the 175th anniversary of the first women's rights convention held in Seneca Falls, NY. To celebrate, the National Women's Hall of Fame is partnering with six organizations in in the area to host a 175 mile relay connecting important historical locations! Stop by the Hall to pick up a passport or print one right at home. Here are a list of the participating organizations: Ganondagon (Victor, NY) Mt. Hope Cemetery (Rochester, NY) Susan B. Anthony Museum & House (Rochester, NY) The...
In Her Words: My Mother’s Story Is My Story
Our staff regularly hears from people who learn about the achievements of one of our Inductees and exclaim, “How did I not know about this person before now?” Of course, we know the answer. Women have been left out of the history books. Their contributions were not valued, or their achievements were forgotten... sometimes even stolen. Their stories did not matter. Yet when we take time to understand someone else’s story, we gain a little more appreciation for our own. That is exactly why...
National Women’s Hall of Fame Selected as a Project Participant and Host Site for “Voices and Votes –A New Agora for New York”
Seneca Falls, NY – The National Women’s Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a project participant and host site for Voices and Votes –A New Agora for New York, a new initiative from the Museum Association of New York (MANY) to help museums in New York State amplify the role that our state and people have played in the development of American democracy as we approach the Semiquincentennial. In the latest grant funding for humanities projects, the National...
In Her Words: As we celebrate eight changemakers, don’t give up on those still left behind!
Last month, the National Women’s Hall of Fame announced its 2023 Inductees. On September 30, our nation will celebrate Patricia Bath, Elouise Cobell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Peggy McIntosh, Judith Plaskow, Loretta Ross, Allucquére Rosanne “Sandy” Stone, and Anna Wessels Williams. These eight incredible women will join the 302 Inductees whose stories and accomplishments forever have a home at the Hall. We are regularly asked how women are chosen for induction. In fact, the Hall relies on you! The...
National Women’s Hall of Fame to hold 2023 Induction Ceremony on September 30th
The National Women’s Hall of Fame will host its 31st Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 30th at 2 pm at the historic Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY. The Hall will announce this year's historic class of honorees on Wednesday, March 29. “In the five decades since its first Induction Ceremony in 1973, the Hall has continued to lift the voices and stories of exceptional women who changed the world,” said Jennifer Gabriel, executive director of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. “We are...
In Her Words: A Letter From the ED- Celebrating International Women’s Day
Dear Friends, Today is International Women’s Day 2023, a dedicated moment within Women’s History Month that allows us to reflect on women’s equality across the globe. The National Women’s Hall of Fame is the first and oldest non-profit and museum dedicated to celebrating the achievements of great women. We were founded to bring the contributions of American women fully into our national narrative. We believe that an equitable and healthy world is possible when all people are empowered to...
Letter From the ED: Introducing the Hall’s 2023 Theme: Progress[?]
What does the word “progress” mean to you? In 2005, I ended a 7-year relationship. My therapist urged me to heal by setting a goal, so I signed up for a triathlon. Finding my way to the finish line required passion, discipline, and creativity. Over six months, I got stronger and faster. There were also setbacks: injuries, equipment malfunctions, and a snafu with my race registration. One step forward, two steps back. Sometimes it felt like five steps back. That August, I finished my first...
The National Women’s Hall of Fame Welcomes First Inductee President
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that 2015 Inductee Jean Kilbourne has been elected president of its Board of Directors. Jean is the first Inductee to serve as president in the Hall’s 54-year history. “Jean’s leadership comes at an extraordinary time for the National Women’s Hall of Fame as our Board and staff have been working to create a five-year strategic plan to allow the Hall to meet its full potential,” said executive director Jennifer Gabriel. “I am thrilled to...
Letter from the ED: Taking Time to Absorb Hope
Margaret Sánchez turned off her TV for two days following the National Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. She wanted time to “absorb the hope.” I can’t imagine a higher compliment for the National Women’s Hall of Fame and its mission. At our core, we exist to inspire hope for a brighter future and better tomorrows. The stories of our Inductees make this work possible. The nine women we honored last month comprised our most diverse class of women to date, with accomplishments that...
National Women’s Hall of Fame to break ground for next stage of work at the historic Seneca Knitting Mill
Seneca Falls, NY–On Wednesday, October 19 at 11 am, the National Women’s Hall of Fame will break ground for the next stage of work at its home at the 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill, 1 Canal Street, Seneca Falls. This stage of renovation will expand usable space, which is currently limited to the first floor of the four-story building. The scope of work will include rehabilitating the existing spiral staircase, adding a main staircase, and building a new elevator shaft with a glass connector....
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton to keynote the National Women’s Hall of Fame 2022 Induction Ceremony
Hillary Rodham Clinton will join the National Women’s Hall of Fame for its historic 30th Induction Ceremony on September 24 at 2pm at the Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY. Secretary Clinton will provide opening remarks to welcome the new class of nine women who will forever have a home at the Hall. The Inductees honored this year are Octavia E. Butler, Judy Chicago, Rebecca Halstead, Joy Harjo, Emily Howland, Katherine Johnson, Indra Nooyi, and Michelle Obama. Secretary Clinton is a 2005...
Letter from the ED: Uplifting Women’s Voices
This isn’t the start to the “In Her Words” message I intended to write. This week marks my one year anniversary with the National Women’s Hall of Fame and my first draft began with a reflection from last summer. Then last Friday, I suffered an injury at home. I’ll spare the details but my pain was bad enough to send me into shock. Even with my husband’s assistance, I couldn’t get to our car. An all-women team of paramedics responded to the emergency call. My hand clearly needed attention...
Letter from the ED: Every month is Women’s History Month
Dear Friends, March is Women’s History Month. Black History Month (February), Asian American Heritage Month (May), Pride Month (June), Native American Heritage Month (November) are but a few of the other occasions we have to honor people and communities who have been historically overlooked, cast aside, or forgotten. These months and special days are important because they provide a structure to celebrate achievement and advance conversations about equity, equality, and human rights. And yet...
Passing of 1998 Inductee Madeleine Albright
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the passing of 1998 Inductee Madeleine Korbel Albright. “As a refugee whose family fled first from the Nazis and later from the Communists, Secretary Albright represents the highest ideals and aspirations of immigrants who come to America and make a profound difference,” said Jennifer Gabriel, the Hall’s Executive Director. “As the first female Secretary of State and a leader in international relations, she helped change the course of...
Passing of 2007 Inductee and Board of Director emerita Judith L. Pipher
It is with heavy hearts that the National Women’s Hall of Fame shares the passing of 2007 Inductee and Board of Director emerita member Dr. Judith L. Pipher. “Judy was a both force of nature and a treasure to us all. Her clarity, persistence, passion and perfection came through in every single action she took in life,” said National Women’s Hall of Fame Board President Betsy Fantone. “During the many years I knew her, I appreciated Judy’s kindness, her sense of adventure, and her unwavering...
Letter from the ED: Dreaming Big in 2022
Dear friends, The beginning of a new year is a time for reflection, renewal, and rejuvenation. It’s also a time to DREAM BIG about how the next 12 months can transform our lives – be that a result of achieving personal goals, organizational goals, or a combination of the two. A few months ago, one of our volunteers made a comment that resonated deeply: "the opportunity for the National Women’s Hall of Fame is too great for small dreams." It’s true. We have big, big dreams. We also have...
National Women’s Hall of Fame appoints Executive Director
National Women’s Hall of Fame appoints Executive Director in advance of 2021 Induction The National Women’s Hall of Fame is pleased to announce Jennifer Gabriel as Executive Director. This successful hire concludes the Hall’s six-month national search for this critical position. Gabriel’s immediate task is to lead the organization through its 2021 Induction Ceremony that will honor the achievements of Michelle Obama, Indra Nooyi, Katherine Johnson, Emily Howland, Mia Hamm, Joy Harjo, Rebecca...
The Board and staff at the NWHF are saddened to announce that 2011 Inductee Helen Murry Free has passed away at the age of 98. She was a pioneering chemist who worked alongside her husband to revolutionize diagnostic testing in the laboratory and at home. Together, the Frees became lifelong scientific partners and changed the face of medical diagnostics. Some of their early work centered around the improvement of the Clinitest, a tablet that measured glucose levels in the urine of diabetic...
Wilhelmina Cole Holladay
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is saddened and heartbroken about the passing of 1996 NWHF Inductee, Wilhelmina Cole Holladay. Holladay founded and established The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). Opened in 1987, the museum promotes a greater awareness of women in the arts and their contributions to aesthetics throughout the ages. The museum cares for and displays a permanent collection, presents special exhibitions, and conducts educational programs. A state-of-the-art, 200 seat...
Introducing the 2020 National Women’s Hall of Fame Virtual Inductees
Mary Church Terrell (1863 –1954) Mary Church Terrell, born during the Civil War, was one of the most prominent activists of her era with a career that spanned well into the civil rights movements of the1950’s. Terrell was one of the first Black women to earn a college degree, in Classics at Oberlin College, and one of the first to earn an MA. She taught Latin at the M Street school— the first Black public high...
Resolute and Persistent: Ginsburg, Wong-Staal, Warner, and Roulet
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is saddened and heartbroken to have lost 2002 Inductee Ruth Bader Ginsburg on September 18, 2020. She worked tirelessly to eliminate gender-based stereotyping in legislation and was a champion for justice. Ginsberg was the second woman to sit on the bench of the United States Supreme Court and became known for her scholarly, balanced opinions and forthright personal courage. Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed due to complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer at the...
Giving Tuesday Now Contest
Hey kids—have you ever thought about which one of our Inductees inspires you the most? It's so hard to choose just one! We would like you to write an essay or draw a picture of an Inductee who inspires you and describe why she is inspiring. To participate, use one of our worksheets that can be found here or type up a document on your own. Submit your entries and we will post them on social media. People will be able to vote for their favorite entry by donating to the Hall via a Facebook...
Children’s Learning Activities
Families come from all over the country to spend their day learning about the female leaders at the National Women's Hall of Fame. To ensure that the learning about these great women continues, we are providing online activities for families, students, and educators. Your friends at the Hall have a long history of working with educators and students, and we want to continue building our connections, and sharing our stories, to our younger followers during these times. Use the downloadable...
Fall Street Location is Closed
We will reopen at 1 Canal St in early summer of 2020. Check back for details or follow us on social media. We look forward to welcoming you to our new space!