At the Wesleyan Chapel in 1848, approximately 300 people gathered for the first formal convention in the United States dedicated to the rights of women. Here, the Declaration of Sentiments was drafted and signed, a foundational document that was modeled after the Declaration of Independence and that boldly asserted “all men and women are created equal.”

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park reflects this push to expand the definition of equality to encompass all people in the United States. Through its assembled properties, the national park tells the essential narrative of the early struggle for women’s rights and autonomy, and connects that story to the ongoing, multi-generational fight for civil rights, human rights, and economic justice for all. In addition to the Wesleyan Chapel, the WRNHP comprises four non-contiguous sites in Seneca Falls and Waterloo, New York, including the homes of three 19th-century reformers -- Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mary Ann M’Clintock, and Jane Hunt.

Today, a lack of funding is threatening these crucial pieces of American heritage. According to a 2025 infrastructure fact sheet (PDF) released by the National Park Service (NPS), Women’s Rights National Historical Park is facing over $10 million in deferred maintenance and needed repairs, including restoration of the 1847 Elizabeth Cady Stanton House; upkeep and maintenance of the 1843 Wesleyan Chapel; rehabilitation of the 1829 Hunt House; and maintenance and repairs at Declaration Park and the Water Wall. Over the past year, staffing at the park has been reduced and programming has been impacted by a lack of funding.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park is one of fewer than 15 NPS units created in recognition of women’s history and achievement, out of 433 total NPS units. This overall lack of representation of women’s history within the National Park system makes it crucial to ensure that this park has the funding and support needed to restore historic resources, provide public interpretation, fully share the significant stories embodied here with the American public, and inspire new generations to continue the fight for full representation and equality.

The nonprofit Friends of Women’s Rights National Historical Park works closely with the park to provide support for educational efforts and events. In 2027, the NPS will be investing $1.8 million in an upgraded HVAC system in the Visitor’s Center. While these repairs are much needed, Women’s Rights National Historical Park will need financial assistance to support temporary facilities for visitors and educational programming during construction. Significantly more funding will be needed to allow the park to address all of its outstanding maintenance and rehabilitation needs.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park was named to the National Trust's list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2026.