From Oct. 10-13, Kent State University students, staff and faculty have a unique opportunity to take part in a trip planned to the Seneca Falls, N.Y., region. The trip is an outgrowth of the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the purpose of the trip is to raise awareness regarding the many valuable contributions made by so many in the effort to secure suffrage for women and the abolition of slavery.
Sites to be visited include areas related to the Underground Railroad and the Suffrage Movement. Students have participated in a number of pre-trip events, such as visiting the Hubbard House in Ashtabula, one of the stations along the Underground Railroad; attending a guest lecture about Harriet Tubman; and watching Makers, Women Who Make America, a documentary series that recounts the history of the women’s movement in America.
These events were designed to introduce students to the history behind the suffrage and abolitionist movements so that they better understand the impact and importance of these events, individuals and places on American culture and on their own lives.
By visiting the homes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Matilda Joslyn Gage, the Harriet Tubman house and attending the National Induction Ceremony for the Women’s Hall of Fame, among other places, participants will see and hear firsthand what those people did to promote civil liberties. Students will also be volunteering at a women’s center and other sites, as well as working with an Indian Tribal group to be able to put into action what they are learning: how the actions of one person can make a difference. There also will be continued opportunities when students return for conference presentations, volunteer work, internships and other experiential learning so that this trip is not a one-time experience, but will continue to have an impact on the participants and their communities.
This opportunity has been made available to the Kent State community through the hard work and generosity of many. For more information about the trip, contact Cindy Trocchio at ctrocchi@kent.edu or Denise Harrison at dharris8@kent.edu.
Supporters and contributors of this experience from Kent State include the vice president for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Office of External Affairs; the Department of English; Department of History; Dean Walter Wagor, Kent State University at Stark; the Center for Student Involvement; the Women's Center; and the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement. Others include Dr. Nick Young, In Kind Services; Suzanne Holt, Ph.D., and friends of Kent State’s Women's Studies program; Brenda Smith, Ph.D., Kent State Stark; and Leslie Heaphy, Ph.D., Kent State Stark.