The Legacy of New York Women

The Legacy of New York Women Commemorating The Governor’s Commission Honoring the Achievements of Women

The Commission was created by Governor Pataki in 1998 to honor the 150th anniversary of the Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls in July 1848 and to highlight contributions by women. The book was a collaborative work by many notable women including Mrs. Libby Pataki, Commission Chair, Lyn Bedell, Vice Chair and Executive Director of the Editorial staff Lyn Rollins.

While I had heard of the convention, of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth, I never knew about the many other women, who had struggled for women’s rights. Perhaps one of the most important documents I read for the first time, while working on this book, was the Declaration of Sentiments, written by those at the first convention.

My contribution to this work were the 51 mini-bios of women, who were being honored with Historical Markers of Honor in each NY county. A copy of this book was placed in every library in NY State by the Commission.