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.

The capstone event to the year-long Worcester Women’s History Project (WWHP) at Museum of Worcester (MOW) is the recreation of the 1850 Convention.

Venue: Mechanics Hall

October 23, 2025
9am-4pm

A modern 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. 

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 (presented on the evening of Wednesday October 22)
• 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 (separate ticket required)

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
Early Bird pricing until 9/1 – save 25%!
$100 + fees
*fees apply to all ticket sales including online, telephone and in-person

Ticket Includes:

• Admission to the Angels & Infidels performance on Wednesday, October 22
• Admission to the Re-Creation of the 1850 Convention at Mechanics Hall on Thursday, October 23

Unable to attend Thursday’s Convention? Purchase tickets for Angels & Infidels ONLY here!

Purchase tickets for The Harvey Ball here