Event
Past. Present. Powerful.
Celebrating 175 Years Since the First National Women’s Rights Convention
Mechanic’s Hall
Worcester MA
October 22-23, 2025
22nd: 6:00pm, 23rd: 8:00am
Deja Foxx
Keynote Speaker
Worcester Women’s History Project at Museum of Worcester
Welcome
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. Culminating in the Re-Creation of the 1850 Convention.
Deja Foxx
Featured Speaker
Social Justice Advocate, Digital Creator, Gen Z Thought Leader
Speakers and Panelists include:
Cecelia Blue
President and CEO, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition
Fredie Kay
Founder and President, Massachusetts Women's History Center
John Kowal, ESQ.
Author, The People's Constitution, NYU Brennan Center for Social Justice
Dr. Lauran Star
Company Culture Speaker and Author of Inclusion: It's Time to Focus on the Right Needle
Event Highlights
Mechanic's Hall
Re-Creation of the 1850 Convention
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.
From Petticoats to Power Suits
A Historical Fashion Show – With costume experts from Clark University and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Dessert With the Dead Ladies
Q&A with historical icons like Abby Kelley Foster and Frances Perkins.
Angels and Infidels
A play by Louisa Burns-Bisogno with music, a re-enactment of the1850 convention
WWHP Oral History Project
Share your story or hear from 500+ voices
The Harvey Ball
Honoring Harriette Chandler, former President of the of the MA Senate and devoted public servant
Tickets
Reserve Your Spot In history
For sponsorship, tickets, or event info:
barbaraguertin@worcesterhistory.net | 508-753-8278 x111
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.