It's a Wonderful Time

Seneca Falls is thought to be the inspiration for the classic movie It's a Wonderful Life. They even have celebrations at Christmas Time related to the movie. However, even more interesting is the history of this town, especially involving women's rights. The first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848 though it would take another 72 years before we got the right to vote. We spent a day in this historic town. First up was to visit the Women's Rights National Historic Park.

There they presented a Declaration of Sentiments, based on the language and content of the Declaration of Independence. Stating that "all men and women are created equal," they demanded equal rights for women, including - a radical idea - the right to vote. An estimate 300 people attended the Convention; the document was ratified and was signed by 68 women and 32 men.

The Declaration of Sentiments  is written on the waterfall wall shown in the pictures above with all the signatures of the women and men who signed it. Only one woman would live to actually vote in 1920.

Inside were lots of interesting exhibitions and an inspirational film. 

Next door from the Museum is the Wesleyan Chapel where the first Women's Rights Convention was held.

We walked through a little of the town and down to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal area.

We then walked part of the Cayuga-Seneca trail called the Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail that has a number of sculptures, inspired by the women's rights movement, and created mostly by women artists.
The trail, used by bikers and hikers, was created on an old rail trail and right next to the canal.

It was another lovely walk on a lovely day.

We have had a great time in New York, but time to explore a few more new states, first New Hampshire for a few days and then onto Maine.