The mission of the Worcester Women’s History Project (WWHP) is to discover, preserve, and share the diverse stories of Worcester area women through programming that is inclusive, informative, and inspiring.

For more than three decades, WWHP has championed Worcester, Massachusetts' pivotal role in the organized women's rights movement. The first National Women's Rights Convention was held here on October 23-24, 1850. This landmark event transformed a regional conversation -- begun two years earlier at Seneca Falls -- into a highly organized, national and international movement.  

From its founding, the WWHP has established a strong regional presence by hosting annual events and building collaborative networks with Central Massachusetts organizations and higher education institutions. In 2005, it expanded its impact by launching a vital initiative, the Worcester Women’s Oral History Project (WWOHP), dedicated to capturing, preserving, and sharing the personal histories of women in the Worcester community.  

To enjoy photos of the recent 2025 celebration of the 175th anniversary of the 1850 convention, click here.