National Women’s Hall of Fame
The National Women’s Hall of Fame is located in Seneca Falls, New York. Established in 1969, it is committed to honoring women of distinguished achievement in the Gender Equality in the United States of America of America.
About
The National Women’s Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit educational institute, has inducted 236 women, whose achievements have been judged to have enduring value. It is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States, fittingly located in Seneca Falls, New York, which is said to be the birthplace of the women’s rights movement. The organization’s major event is Induction Weekend, when new members are included in the Hall. In addition, they run educational programs, special exhibits and events. Showcasing women’s achievements in the United States, the National Women’s Hall of Fame aims to honor inducted women by increasing knowledge of their achievements, impact and legacies.
The Hall commenced in 1969 in Seneca Falls, but it wasn’t until 1979 that its current residence was established in an old bank building in the historical part of town. In this space the Hall contains exhibits, artifacts, a research library and an office.
The mission of the institute is:
“To honor in perpetuity these women, citizens of the United States of America whose contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, the humanities, philanthropy and science, have been the greatest value for the development of their country.”
Selection Criteria
Women selected for induction are chosen from submitted nominations. To be chosen, nominees should have a nomination form submitted on their behalf and should fit in with the institute’s mission, be U.S. citizens or Native American and have had an impact on a national or global level. In addition, their achievements should have “enduring value”. Nominations are selected from a rotating panel of judges, not affilliated with the National Women’s Hall of Fame, who are experts in their chosen fields. The top ten selected nominees eachy cycle earn a place in the Hall of Fame and special recognition at Induction Weekend.
Some famous inducted members include: Elizabeth Cady Stanton , Juliette Gordon Low , Eleanor Roosevelt , and Oprah Winfrey.