Women's Rights History Trail to include key Worcester-area suffrage sites

WORCESTER — The city has seen a lot of history in its 300 years, but one of the highlights over this period would be the start of the women’s suffrage movement, with the first national woman's rights convention held here in 1850.

So it only seemed fitting that when Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill last week ordering the creation of a Women’s Rights History Trail, marking locations and properties throughout the state associated with the women’s rights movement, he did so in Worcester.

The ceremonial signing of H. 4555, "An Act relative to the creation of a women’s rights history trail," took place Thursday at Mechanics Hall. Though it was signed into law in late May, it is now officially codified as Chapter 76 of the Acts of 2022.

More: Worcester celebrate role in suffrage movement in 2020

Co-sponsored by Worcester County state Rep. Hannah Kane of Shrewsbury, the bill establishes a task force to research and recommend sites, properties and attractions to be included on the trail.

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism will be in charge of creating related educational materials and vacation itineraries.

“This legislation creating the Women’s Rights History Trail ensures that the many women from our commonwealth who contributed to the fabric of our nation and democracy are recognized,” said Kane, who will also serve on the task force.

As Worcester produced as well as hosted many notable suffragettes, multiple locations across the city and county are potential candidates for inclusion on the trail.

Home of 1850 suffrage convention

The Commerce Bank building sits on the site of Brinley Hall at 340 Main St., the location of the 1850 convention. Brinley Hall was demolished in 1895.

Earlier this year, a trail marker honoring Worcester resident Sarah E. Wall was approved at Sycamore and Main streets. Wall is known for refusing to pay taxes when she was denied voting rights as a property owner, and encouraging other women property owners to do so as well.

Wall famously quoted the Revolutionary War slogan “No taxation without representation.” Her case made it to the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1863, Wheeler v. Wall. Though the court ruled against her, she continued her anti-tax protest, garnering the admiration of Susan B. Anthony. The trail marker, which is planned to installation this fall, will be located near the site of her former property.

Abby Kelley Foster, an abolitionist and one of the organizers of the Worcester convention, followed a similar tactic. She and her husband lost their farm for also refusing to pay taxes until she had the right to vote. They, too, cited “taxation without representation.” Luckily, a neighbor purchased their farm and sold it back to them. The site of their farm is certainly a contender for a mark on the history trail.

The other key convention organizer, Lucy Stone, was born in West Brookfield, adding another potential history trail stop in Worcester County.

Like Foster, Stone was also a part of the abolition movement against slavery, speaking on both this and women’s rights before the Massachusetts Legislature in 1853.

“I am pleased to sign this legislation that will help Massachusetts better honor and preserve the legacies of women throughout the commonwealth’s history who have made our state a better place,” Baker said.

The 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, was officially adopted Aug. 26, 1920.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Cradle of suffrage movement: Women's Rights History Trail to include key Worcester-area sites