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A striking feature of the Visitor Center
is the grouping of life size bronze sculptures representing those
in attendance at the Seneca Falls Convention. The sculptures* portray
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, and other significant
figures who were present. The sculptures are arrayed with the leaders
at the center, surrounded by anonymous others representing the spreading
out, across space and time, of the influence of that event. |
The Visitors Center theater
presents a 28 minute film* Dreams of Equality telling the story
of the Convention through period correspondence between a fictional
brother and sister, illustrated with dramatic portrayals, including
excerpts from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's dramatic presentation [180k
.wav clip] of the Declaration of Sentiments. This is interspersed
with vignettes of young people discussing their contemporary views
of the struggle for women's rights.
Visitors entering the Center from Declaration Park are presented with
a massive collage of historical photographs and artifacts of women's
progress. These include illustrations of women's struggle for equal
rights as well as the accomplishments of many outstanding women in
all fields of human endeavor.
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The Visitor Center supports research into
the subject of women's history and related social movements through
its onsite research library, and continuing relationships with women's
organizations and historians.
The Research Library (not open to the public) includes a substantial
collection of books, manuscripts and audiovisual materials. The Park
Historian may be available to direct researchers interested in learning
more about the the 1848 Convention, and the subsequent events associated
with its subject: The Social, Civil and Religious Condition of Woman.
There is also an Eastern National bookstore with many resources
for sale. E-mail the bookstore operator. |
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On the Center's second floor, Park visitors will find
a wealth of information presented in modern interpretive displays.
Presentations illustrate women's issues from the time of the 1848
Convention on through the history of women's suffrage, and challenge
visitors to help shape future progress. Visitors can meet historic
figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sojourner Truth, learn about
the current state of women's concerns, such as Jobs and Gender, and
even try out some possible careers.
The use of interactive displays in this Park is unique in the National
Park Service. |
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