For over fifty years, the National Women’s Hall of Fame has shone a spotlight on women who have shaped our society. This election cycle has been a testament to the power of women, both as voters and as political candidates, to impact the future of our country. We celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris’s history-making presidential run, the latest in a career of public service dotted by firsts, and thank her for being an inspiration to millions of Americans today and for generations to come.
But we also feel the weight of this moment. The National Women’s Hall of Fame’s mission is to elevate women’s voices, equip and empower changemakers, and advance gender equity through action, education, and storytelling. We envision a nation that respects women, their voices, and achievements, and their contributions to society. This work is uplifting but can also be, at times, deflating. In such moments, the Hall strives to provide support and community.
This past Saturday, the Hall held an opening reception for one of its new exhibits, Creative Women of the Finger Lakes: Art and Craftivism at its museum in the historic Seneca Falls Knitting Mill. Even after an exhausting week, The Hall, located in the historic Seneca Falls Knitting Mill, was bustling with visitors, deep in conversation, sharing laughter, and admiring the work of our guest artists. Their work adorned the walls, graced our windows, and displayed brightly on iPads. Our guests expressed deep appreciation for the space, the Hall, and the opportunity to connect with others who share in the Hall’s mission and vision. They, too, found solace and joy in coming together.
The Hall is honored and proud to provide such a space. Now is the time to channel our collective strength and remain steadfast and forward-looking in our commitment to compassion, justice, and democracy. As the accomplishments of the Hall’s 300+ inductees assure us, progress is possible, even in the face of challenges.