The docent-led tour of the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House brings to life Anthony’s mission to secure inalienable rights for all Americans, particularly women’s right to vote. Her Rochester home served as headquarters for the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In Anthony Square, just down the street, you will find a life-sized sculpture of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass having tea, discussing the day’s news, or perhaps sharing a birthday celebration. Anthony was born on February 15, and Douglass chose February 14, not knowing his birthdate. Despite not always agreeing, they shared a lifelong friendship and are buried near each other in Mount Hope Cemetery.
The museum is undergoing an expansion. Today, the campus includes the National Historic Landmark Susan B. Anthony House at 17 Madison Street, her sister Hannah Anthony Mosher’s home at 19 Madison Street, an education space called the “Carriage House,” and a Queen Anne-style house that serves as the administrative offices at 16 Madison.
Through this campaign, they will build a new interpretive center around the corner at 33 Jefferson Avenue. The center will provide immersive exhibits that connect Anthony’s work to contemporary issues. By experiencing the neighborhood where Anthony lived and worked, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of her enduring impact and the power of advocacy.
I encourage you to visit her home in Rochester, historic landmarks in Seneca Falls, and her final resting place in Mount Hope Cemetery to learn more about her remarkable life.
Susan B. Anthony’s Home in the City of Rochester
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House allows visitors to immerse themselves in her personal history. Her Rochester home served as headquarters for the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Anthony’s passion for securing women’s right to vote started with her work as an agent of the anti-slavery movement, actively campaigning and influencing the 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship), and 15th (rights of all male citizens to vote) Amendments to the United States Constitution. Ultimately, she fought for equal rights for all Americans, though she felt strongly that women needed the vote to influence public affairs.
Down the street in the square is a sculpture of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass having tea, no doubt discussing how to right so many wrongs. Or maybe they are celebrating their birthdays together—Douglass has chosen February 14 as his birthday, and Anthony’s is February 15. She and Douglass shared a lifelong friendship and partnership in the fight for equal rights.
Anthony’s final resting place is in Mount Hope Cemetery‘s “old north” section.
More Places in Rochester, NY
She led several other women to cast their votes in the presidential election near the 1872 Café on Main Street. In 1900, she persuaded the University of Rochester to admit women. The Susan B. Anthony Center is named in her honor. Their mission:
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House interprets the great reformer’s vision and story, preserves and shares her National Historic Landmark home and headquarters, collects and exhibits artifacts related to her life and work, and offers tours and interpretive programs to inspire and challenge individuals to make a positive difference.
Seneca Falls, NY
The history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement has points of interest throughout Western New York, including the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY.
Susan B. Anthony served as vice president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and as president when Elizabeth Cady Stanton retired. It wasn’t until 1920 that the 19th Amendment was passed, and women won the right to vote.
Susan was not alive to see that day, having died in 1906, yet it is commonly referred to as the Susan B Anthony Amendment.
Some interesting reads
Eight Places to Celebrate the Accomplishments of Great American Women
Douglass’s Rochester and his close friendship with Susan B. Anthony.
Miss Anthony Died This Morning, her obituary in the NY Times.
Bill Authorizing the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Statement on Signing S. 3036 Into Law
Explore More
Mount Hope Cemetery’s winding roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the area’s rich history, ecology, and geology.
25 House & Garden Tours Around Rochester
Every year there are dozens of opportunities around Rochester to walk through grand and historic homes, and meticulously manicured gardens.
Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!
For years, I’ve been collecting fun facts about Rochester from books, websites, historical markers, and casual conversations.
Have you been to the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House?
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
I would add the Ontario County Courthouse in Canandaigua where she was tried for the crime of voting. Her trial was moved to Canandaigua to avoid further publicity of the cause.