$1 Million Renovation of Iconic Smokestack, Construction of Elevator and Stairwell to Access Upper Floors, and Expanded Second Floor
Improvements Double Existing Space to Honor Inductees and Offer More Exhibits
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of major improvements to the National Women’s Hall of Fame building in Seneca Falls as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The project doubled the Hall’s current space, providing more room to display changing exhibits, honor inductees and tell the story of the Woolen Mill, which was built by abolitionists. Improvements were also made to the building’s iconic smokestack and an elevator and stairwell were constructed to provide access to the upper floors of the building.
“With these improvements, the history of this nation’s trailblazing women can now fully come to life for all to experience,” Governor Hochul said. “I can’t think of a better way to honor the tremendous role women play in our nation’s history than to support the work of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Once again, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is not only reinvigorating our downtowns, it is also honoring and celebrating the Empire State’s rich heritage.”
The renovated second floor will double the space for inductees and exhibits and will eventually include an exhibit featuring the story of the Woolen Mill. The Woolen Mill was built by abolitionists who only worked with wool, refusing to use slave-picked cotton. Two of the original trustees of the Mill also signed the 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, which called for equal rights for women and paved the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment establishing women’s right to vote. The new staircase and elevator will provide access to the second floor.
The National Women’s Hall of Fame project received $1 million in funding from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, as well as a $500,000 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; $150,000 from Empire State Development’s Market NY program; and $145,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts.
The Town of Seneca Falls was named a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) round 4 winner for the Finger Lakes region in 2019. Other projects funded through the Seneca Falls DRI include several public enhancement projects along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, renovation of the Huntington Station building into housing, improvements to the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, establishment of a building improvements fund, renovation of the Daniel’s Block, activation of State Street Station, creation of a Culinary Art Studio and apartments and enhancement of the Ludovico Sculpture Trail.