During a recent appearance on FLX Weekly, Judy Hart, the founding superintendent of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, reflected on the creation of the park and the legacy it has built since its founding.
Speaking from Richmond, Virginia, Hart shared the story behind her efforts to establish the park in the late 1970s. At the time, Hart had been newly appointed as the chief ranger for legislation for the National Park Service’s Boston office. After noticing a lack of representation for women’s history in the National Park system, she was determined to propose a site that would fill that gap.
While reviewing the National Register of Historic Places, Hart and a colleague discovered two significant sites: the homes of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Although Hart admitted she was initially unfamiliar with Stanton, she quickly learned about her pivotal role in the women’s rights movement. She soon traveled to Seneca Falls to visit sites connected to the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention, including the Stanton House, the Wesleyan Chapel, the Hunt House in Waterloo, and the McClintock House.
Despite early challenges — including the condition of some properties, such as the Wesleyan Chapel, which at the time was functioning as a laundromat — Hart said she was determined to push forward. Her efforts, along with those of local supporters like August Sinicropi, helped rally the community and secure federal support.
Hart described the founding of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in 1982 as a critical moment for the Park Service. She noted that Seneca Falls became known as the first “Idea Park,” meaning the site was recognized primarily for the importance of the events that occurred there, rather than the condition or appearance of its structures. This concept later influenced the establishment of other historic parks, including those commemorating the Stonewall uprising and Japanese internment during World War II.
During the interview, Hart also reflected on the personal and historical significance of national leaders like President Barack Obama mentioning Seneca Falls in national speeches — a moment she described as thrilling and a testament to the park’s enduring importance.
Hart discussed her decision to write A National Park for Women’s Rights to document the complex and sometimes difficult process of establishing the park. She emphasized that creating the park required determination, community cooperation, and the backing of influential supporters, such as the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Looking at the present, Hart expressed both concern and hope regarding the current political climate, especially regarding funding cuts to the National Park Service. She reaffirmed her faith in the legal system and its ability to uphold fundamental rights, even in uncertain times.
Hart concluded by highlighting the continued relevance of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park today, especially given ongoing challenges to women’s rights around the world. She credited the park’s existence to the collective efforts of those who believed in preserving the history of the women’s rights movement for future generations.
Hart’s book is available at the park’s visitor center, through the Cornell University Press website, and on Amazon.
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