Susan B. Anthony Museum & House — Attraction in City of Rochester

In as much as I am moved by the life and historical achievements of Susan B. Anthony and what she means to the ongoing story of our collective progression - I am disturbed to have to share with you that my personal experience in visiting her former home was not at all as I had hoped or expected. Primarily given that while enroute the tour - which was delightfully informative - I inadvertently discovered a secret corridor. A trap room of sorts. Access of which was activated only after I leaned, lethargically, on a bookshelf. I watched in amazement as the shelf retracted itself exposing a dark threshold into an unassuming room that had not made itself obvious by the surrounding architecture of the hallway I was in. Naturally, however, I peered into this mysterious room - to which I saw a curious circle of enrobed, hooded women seemingly performing some sort of ceremonial custom. They were holding hands and chanting in unison, in an ominous candlelit backdrop. It sounded latin. And was riveting af. Amidst this though I noticed a most unusual object at the center of their circle-'dance'. And it was this object, this mass that upon closer focus revealed itself to be more than just a sacrificial symbol. And that is when I realized what I was witnessing was a femme fatale deth-cult rain dance that seeks the total annhilation of the patriarchal supreme. Which is understandable. But given I am in possession of the very biological endowment that stirs their agenda - a terrifying, all consuming fear fell over me. That nearly immobilized me. But not enough to stifle my desire for escape, and to not become the next center piece of that accursed ritual. So I came to and ran from that room with an energy of origin I can not attribute. Then, once in my car, I frantically drove directly home. And after cancelling my subscriptions and letting my dog go - I packed my belongings - and moved to Buffalo City. Where I've assumed a new identity. And haven't returned since. And now I spend most of my days peeking through blinds. Awaiting the inevitable reintroduction to that dreadful dance. Anywhat, the tour was otherwise excellent, the guide was most gracious in their fielding and answering of group questions. It was especially helpful and noteworthy for how much it enriched me with context I never would have assumed before. It really humanized Susan and the cause for equality she helps represent, it was powerful in how it made it all that much more real. It makes you walk away appreciating, and not taking as for granted, the progress we have made. And for that I am most gracious. It also can be a great place to meet like-minded folk. 😀

Update: 'The Women's !lluminati-like Society of Greater Rochester' has contacted my lawyers to inform me that what I saw was not some insidious deth-dance but an interpretive rendition of culling the violence of gender led inbalance. So, I am relieved to let you know that all is well, that I will be returning to Rochester and that you should feel welcomed and in good hands when visiting the museum. But try not to engage any secret bookshelf switches as these meetings/dances are private and not meant for public viewing. Also, please be on the lookout for my dog Milo. I miss him dearly. :(

Update Update: Milo has been found thanks inpart to the funds raised by the The Women's !lluminati-like Society of Greater Rochester. Volunteers from this group purchased dozens of megaphones and meandered south Rochester calling for Milo until finally he was found behind a dumpster on South Ave gnawing on a slim jim. Tonight we happily weep in celebration of our long sought reunification.

Update Update Update: I thank all of those that have sent condolesences for the recent, untimely passing of Milo. He was an ole pup and will be missed dearly. But do please stop sending $$$ as we are okay. But if you have met Milo and feel touched by his story and want to donate $$$ you are encouraged to send your hearts desire, on his behalf, to the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum. Thank you for...

The home, museum is located at Madison street, Rochester, N.Y. 14608 Susan B. Anthony (born Susan Anthony; February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906) was an American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement. Born into a Quaker family committed to social equality, she collected anti-slavery petitions at the age of 17. In 1856, she became the New York state agent for the American Anti-Slavery Society.

In 1851, she met Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who became her lifelong friend and co-worker in social reform activities, primarily in the field of women's rights. Together they founded the New York Women's State Temperance Society after Anthony was prevented from speaking at a temperance conference because she was female. During the Civil War they founded the Women's Loyal National League, which conducted the largest petition drive in United States history up to that time, collecting nearly 400,000 signatures in support of the abolition of slavery. After the war, they initiated the American Equal Rights Association, which campaigned for equal rights for both women and African Americans. They began publishing a women's rights newspaper in 1868 called The Revolution. A year later, they founded the National Woman Suffrage Association as part of a split in the women's movement. The split was formally healed in 1890 when their organization merged with the rival American Woman Suffrage Association to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association, with Anthony as its key force. Anthony and Stanton began working with Matilda Joslyn Gage in 1876 on what eventually grew into the six-volume History of Woman Suffrage. The interests of Anthony and Stanton diverged somewhat in later years, but the two remained close friends.

In 1872, Anthony was arrested in her hometown of Rochester, New York, for voting in violation of laws that allowed only men to vote. She was convicted in a widely publicized trial. Although she refused to pay the fine, the authorities declined to take further action. In 1878, Anthony and Stanton arranged for Congress to be presented with an amendment giving women the right to vote. Introduced by Sen. Aaron A. Sargent (R-CA), it later became known colloquially as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment. It was eventually ratified as the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.

Anthony traveled extensively in support of women's suffrage, giving as many as 75 to 100 speeches per year and working on many state campaigns. She worked internationally for women's rights, playing a key role in creating the International Council of Women, which is still active. She also helped to bring about the World's Congress of Representative Women at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.

When she first began campaigning for women's rights, Anthony was harshly ridiculed and accused of trying to destroy the institution of marriage. Public perception of her changed radically during her lifetime, however. Her 80th birthday was celebrated in the White House at the invitation of President William McKinley. She became the first female citizen to be depicted on U.S. coinage when her portrait appeared on the 1979...

I was super pumped to take my 12, 10, and 5-year-old kids to the Susan B. Anthony museum today. My wife and I feel like she is an absolute hero that should be celebrated and I couldn't wait to learn more. Teaching history is a difficult task, especially to children because it's hard for them to understand how people in the past fit into a different (but in some ways similar) world. That's why history is so poorly taught in school in general and our nation's citizens struggle with it so mightily. Students are taught to learn dates and places instead of personalities and truly connect with individuals. I was a history major in college and it remains one of my passions and hobbies.

So why the one star?

Quite frankly, it's due to what I feel is an egregious overprotective measure. Despite infinitesimal low numbers of Covid in the area, they require masking (no problem if course) along with full vaccination of people all the way from 5 years old and up. Looking at the statistics, only 1 and 4 5-12 year olds are vaccinated in America meaning that 75 percent of children would not be able to visit their museum. Today this museum held my children back from learning of an American hero's history due to what I can only conceive is political and not a health-based pragmatic decision. Of course, we were all vaccinated but my 5-year-old was not.

I hope the museum enjoyed the modicum of physical safety during a short amount of time as opposed to the safety that knowledge of history would be able to bring our youth now and into the future - the very youth that we need for our society to continue thriving. I have to say, I can't imagine Susan B. Anthony would support such draconian measures, but I guess I'll never know because I wasn't allowed to come in with my children.

Edit: Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my review and also to make a change in your policy (which I'm sure is not an easy thing to do with the staff of volunteers). I truly appreciate the offer to have a stop by. Sadly, we had left the day after we tried going but do hope to be back and will certainly make a stop at your museum. I have updated the review to four stars because I am sure it is a great museum and look forward to attending it with my children...