Comparative Study of the National First Ladies' Library and the Women's Rights National Historical Park

Abstract

The National First Ladies' Library and the Women's Rights National Historical Park are two very important museums that interpret different aspects of women's history. The National First Ladies' Library, located in Canton, Ohio, interprets the lives of the United States' First Ladies and the roles associated with the position. The Women's Rights National Historical Park, located in Seneca Falls, New York, interprets the first Women's Rights Convention, which took place in 1848, as well as the Declaration of Sentiments, which Elizabeth Cady Stanton presented at the Convention. Both sites offer histories of women from the upper class; however, they tell two different stories and use different approaches for interpretation. One of the main reasons why both museums use different methods of interpretation is rooted in their creation. One woman, Mary Regula, envisioned the National First Ladies' Library. Regula isolated her work from the community and as a result, lost touch with what the public wanted out of the site. On the other hand, the Women's Rights National Historical Park involved the community in its creation. Park historians and staff cooperatively worked together with the community to shape what the park is today. The sites differed drastically in both their creation and intentions, which influenced the interpretive plans used.