NPSSeneca Falls, N.Y. - This beloved community event commemorates the 178th anniversary of the writing of the Declaration of Sentiments and 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls and neighboring Waterloo, New York, which gave rise to the American women’s rights movement.  In recognition of the  American Semiquincentennial of independence, the theme of Convention Days 2026 is “Unfinished Resolutions,” celebrating both revolutionary ideals and the ongoing fight for universal rights and equality, 250 years later. 

Among the featured weekend programs included special guest speakers in the fields of women’s history, Indigenous history, and American democracy.  

  • On Friday, July 17, Dr. Linda Frank will present “‘Brave Souls and Big Hearts’: The Unexpected Ways That Three Generations of Stantons Personified the Promises of the Declaration, 1776-1876”; followed by a partnership program with Dr. Judith Wellman (1816 Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse) and Dr. Laura Ladd Bierman (Women’s Rights Alliance of NYS) where the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments will be read side-by-side.  Patrick Stenshorn from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor will also offer walking tours to Seneca Falls’ canal locks CS 2&3. 
  • On Saturday, July 18, there will be film screening of the award-winning documentary: Without A Whisper - Konnon:kwe (2020), followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, Katsitsionni Fox, on “Sky Woman and Her Influence on Women's Rights.”  Dr. Laura Free will speak on “Unfinished Revolutions: Exclusion, Resistance, and the Ongoing Struggle for American Democracy,” examining the events in Seneca Falls as part of a more expansive visioning of America.  Visitors are also invited to attend the 11 a.m. opening ceremony in the Wesleyan Chapel; a Community Expo with various local history & community organizations at the Visitor Center (both Friday and Saturday); and to participate in the reading of the resolutions and 100 signers’ names at the 4 p.m. closing ceremony.   
  • On Sunday, July 19, Dr. Bill Hunt of the 100 Signers Project will present: “Resolute: How Charlotte Woodward Peirce Persisted during the 72 Year Wait for the Vote, 1848-1920” and a drop-in census reading workshop.  For young readers, Elizabeth Vollstadt will read her latest picture book: “What Charlotte Found at Seneca Falls.” 

Other family-friendly activities throughout the three-day weekend will include special ranger programs; make-and-take crafts & coloring; a community “Equali-tea Wish Wall” for the 250th; and outdoor Victorian games in partnership with the Seneca Falls Historical Society.  Living history programs with Elizabeth Cady Stanton (portrayed by Dr. Melinda Grube) and Frederick Douglass (Nathan Richardson) will connect visitors with the spirit of the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention and inspire all to carry on the work of “unfinished resolutions.” 

Women’s Rights National Historical Park, including the Visitor Center and historic Wesleyan Chapal, will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, July 17-19, 2026.  The Elizabeth Cady Stanton House and M’Clintock House will also be open during select hours.   

All special event programming is free; and select programs will have American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation available, thanks to a grant from the National Park Foundation.  

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