Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Suffrage, emancipation, freedom, these ideals define so much of who we are as a nation. That process, that quest toward democracy- that push and pull of ideas, ideals- carves out our identity, our social conscience as a nation. The struggle to become a more inclusive democracy unfolds in the 19th and 20th centuries and today. Our visits to Seneca Falls, Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s home, Harriet Tubman’s Home, William Seward’s home revealed this. In the 21st century we look at the expansion of human our rights once again, tearing down barriers no matter whom it is that you love. It’s exciting to ride this freedom ride.
Harriet Tubman's Home
Trailblazers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, William Seward stepped out of their comfort zone, risked reputation and, in some cases, their lives to take a stand. They saw something greater than what they had always known, ignored who said “don’t” and just “did”. The quote by Margaret Mead in the museum at Seneca Falls is one of my favorites. “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” I hope my students will be empowered with courage to step up and change the world. History is exciting and people like these role models, set the precedent for the kids to follow.
I found it fascinating that Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, William Seward, Harriet Tubman, Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, knew each other, lived near each other and were all linked in a variety ways, supporting each other in their causes crossing race, gender and class lines despite a variety of protests, insults, mockery from those ensconced in the status quo. The blistering criticism showered on them by many of their contemporaries went unheeded as these men and women saw a bigger picture, a long-term ideal outside of the known.
The Erie Canal
The Erie Canal opened up the Market Revolution and served to grow New York City into a vastly successful commercial center.The canals bridged the 600ft gap in altitude between Buffalo and Albany. The Erie Canal cut the cost of shipping 90-95%. Riding on the Erie Canal and experiencing the locks was amazing. The rising and falling water levels allowed ships to travel some 300 miles.
Erie Canal
Erie Canal with Elevations
I also like the quote by Margaret Mead!
I appreciate that you included the Erie Canal elevations chart. An idea for using this in class may be to compare the elevations changes of the Erie canal with the elevation changes of the Arkansas river. It would be interesting to see if there is a similar pattern. This is also a great chart for practice reading graphs.
I agree, these women are great role models for our students. They were willing to risk their personal reputation on their ideals and what they believed to be the right thing to do. I loved Margaret Mead’s quote as well – “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” These women brought people together and helped change the role of women in the world today.