From the Collections: Women Who Lead

On view in New York Metropolis Hall 

The State Museum’s collections represent the diverse achievements of women across New York. This new exhibit feature brings together objects and artworks that highlight the contributions of women. Audiences will see State Paleontologist Winifred Goldring’s tools, artwork from contemporary Oneida Nation artists Karen Ann Hoffman and Dawn Dark Mountain, and the newly acquisitioned Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument 1/3-scale model by Meredith Bergmann. 

Prior to August 2020, there were no monuments that depicted real women in New York City's Central Park. The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument was placed in Central Park following the tireless work of Monumental Women, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. It features three nationally recognized leaders of the women's rights movement, all from New York State: Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Since the 2020 unveiling, Monumental Women has worked to increase awareness and appreciation of women’s history through a nationwide education campaign. To help with this endeavor Monumental Women embarked on a fundraising campaign for the creation of a 1/3-size model of the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument for the New York State Museum’s collections.

Women's Rights Pioneers Monument
Women's Rights Pioneers Monument unveiled in NYC Central Park, 2020 by Meredith Bergmann
Winifred Goldring with Hammer, 1929
Winifred Goldring with Hammer, 1929
Never Alone, 2013 by Dawn Dark Mountain and Karen Ann Hoffman, OnΛyota'a:ka (Oneida Nation, WI)
Never Alone, 2013 by Dawn Dark Mountain and Karen Ann Hoffman, OnΛyota'a:ka (Oneida Nation, WI)
"Women's Declaration of Independence,” poster, c. 1977
"Women's Declaration of Independence,” poster, c. 1977 by Jacqueline Skiles 

Donation Ceremony of the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument

Educators can earn CTLE credit by watching the Donation Ceremony video and completing the survey linked below. Please allow up to two weeks to receive confirmation of completion.
CTLE Credit (1 hour): Link to Online Form for the Donation Ceremony of the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument


Women Who Lead

Related Content

Talking Statues

Talking Statues

What would it be like if the monument could talk? Listen to an imagined conversation with Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to learn more about their lives and how they impacted their work for women’s rights.

Connect to the conversation here: http://www.nyts.de/mw/
(This feature is best viewed on a mobile platform).

Audio courtesy of Monumental Women, available in English and Spanish.
Recurso de Audio, cortesía de Monumental Women, disponible en inglés y español.

Women's History Month 2023

Women's History Resource Page

Join the NYSM in commemorating the important role women have in the history of our state. Access videos, educational activities, and more through this comprehension resource page.

Winifred Goldring, portrait

Winifred Goldring (1888-1971): NYSM Scientist & Pioneering State Paleontologist

Discover more about the world's first woman State Paleontologist and the significant contributions she made to the fields of geology, paleontology, and paleobotany throughout her 40-year career at the New York State Museum.