
Passing the Torch
Seneca Falls Convention Days' first youth-centered event, focused on Passing the Torch of activism to the younger generation.
Activities and Opportunities Offered



Honoring the Past
Participants will begin the day by attending an ERA rally in remembrance of the 1923 Women's Rights Convention where the ERA was first proposed.
Taking Present Action
Participants will read the 2020 Youth Declaration of Sentiments, and afterwards attend an expert-led workshop where they will prepare statements for a mock convention.
Discussing the Future
We will end the day with a group discussion and brainstorm for future equity activism. What can be done, what will we do, and how will we do it?
Passing the Torch 2022
Passing the Torch premiered as Seneca Falls Convention Days' first youth-centered day event on July 16th, 2022. Participation was free, but participants gained a wealth of knowledge with a variety of valuable experiences.

ERA Rally
Participants learned about the history and importance of an Equal Rights Amendment. They then met and spoke with our diverse group of speakers - from local historians, to the Great-Great-Granddaughter of 19th century activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Pictured: speakers and Passing the Torch participants standing at the podium where Alice Paul first introduced the ERA in 1923.

Tour of Historical Seneca Falls
Participants were given a walking tour of the historical locations and statues in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement. Pictured: participant touching the original bricks of the Weslyan Chapel, where the first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848.

Activities at National Women's Hall of Fame
Participants visited Seneca Falls' brand new Hall of Fame location and saw historical items such as our event's namesake, the National Women's Year torch (pictured on website coverpage). They also learned about the process by which women are inducted to the Hall of Fame. Pictured: participant weaving her strand into the "tapestry" made by all of the Hall's visitors.

Analysis of the 2020 Youth Declaration of Sentiments
Participants read and compared the 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, and the 2020 Youth Declaration of Sentiments. They provided feedback by identifying places in the document that they felt represented them, or suggesting changes to represent them better. They also had the option to sign the document online. Pictured: participant dressed as a 20th century activist and reading the 2020 YDS.
2022 Event Itinerary

8:00 am -9:00 am . . . Meet in chapel basement for registration and breakfast
9:00 am -10:00 am . . ERA rally at First Presbyterian Church
10:00 am -11:30 am . Tour of Historical Seneca Falls
11:30 am -12:30 pm . Living History presentation at Women's Rights Park Visitor's Center by Harriet Tubman historian
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm . .Break for lunch at Downtown Deli
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm . . .Tour of Historical Seneca Falls statues
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm . . .National Women's Hall of fame visit and activities
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm . . .Presentation of 2020 Youth Declaration of Sentiments by one of the authors, document analysis
3:15 pm. . . . . . . . . . . Snack and "Table Talk"- what more can be done, what will we do, and how will we do it?
Indoor masking will be required in order to make this event accessible to everyone! ☻
RSVP by July 7th, 2022
Presbyterian Church @ 23 Cayuga St. Seneca Falls, NY 13148
8 am - dinnertime
If you have any questions email: senecafallsyouth@gmail.com
OR text: (585) 284-4686
To view the 2020 Youth Declaration of Sentiments visit: https://yds2020.weebly.com
Meals and admission will be provided at no cost
Upon submitting our RSVP form, you assert that the attendee has received parent or guardian approval.
