175th Anniversary of the First National Women’s Rights Convention

Worcester Women’s History Project at Museum of Worcester
Celebrating 175 Years Since the First National Women’s Rights Convention

In 1850, over 1,000 people—including Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Lucy Stone—gathered at Brinley Hall in Worcester for the first National Women’s Rights Convention. It was a groundbreaking moment that sparked a global movement.

Now, Worcester Women’s History Project (WWHP) at Museum of Worcester (MOW) is bringing that history to life with a citywide, year-long celebration through October 2025—featuring talks, films, performances, and more.

Don’t Miss the Main Event!

Re-Creation of the 1850 Convention

Mechanics Hall | October 22–23, 2025, 9am-4pm
A modern two-day convention exploring women’s rights then and now—reproductive freedom, pay equity, inclusion, constitutional protections, and more. Featuring national speakers, workshops, performances, and a youth delegation. Ticket sales begin late June.

Featured Events

• Historic Fashion Show – With costume experts from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Clark University 
• Dessert With the Dead Ladies – Q&A with historical icons like Abby Kelley Foster and Frances Perkins
• Angels & Infidels by Louisa Burns Bisogno – A powerful play about the 1850 Convention
• WWHP Oral History Project – Share your story or hear from 500+ voices
• The Harvey Ball – Honoring Harriette Chandler, the first female President of the MA Senate 

WWHP @ MOW is proud to partner with the League of Women Voters of Worcester Area, Massachusetts Women’s History Center, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, and others.

For sponsorship or event info: barbaraguertin@worcesterhistory.net | 508-753-8278 x111

Tickets COMING SOON!