Today we commemorate the 91st anniversary of the 19th amendment, which finally created a nation based on the consent of the governed by guaranteeing women the right to vote. We at the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center are celebrating with an important announcement.
How do we find ourselves in the company of the Archivo Histórico de la Policía Nacional in Guatemala, the Gandhi Ashram Trust in Bangladesh, and the Gulag Museum at Perm-36, Russia? The Matilda Joslyn Gage Center is the fourth Site of Conscience, alongside these world-wide organizations to receive a Project Support Fund grant from the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. We are the only United States site to be chosen.
With our new and exciting project “Who Chooses?,” which will be begun by this grant, we are boldly confronting one of the most controversial and divisive issues in the United States today: women’s reproductive rights. Noting the absence of public discussion around this issue, and understanding the need for a space where respectful dialogue can take place, we decided to create a dialogue program that will allow participants to exchange ideas and expand their knowledge of reproductive rights in a safe, non-volatile setting.
We wanted to also increase our dialogue capacity, as we move to make respectful discussion of differences the language of our organization. This grant will allow us to train dialogue facilitators while creating a dialogue model around the reproductive rights issue.
“Who Chooses?” will link Gage’s writings and ideas on two of Gage’s major social justice issues — women’s rights and the separation of church and state - with the current controversy over reproductive rights. We will approach the issue of reproductive rights from a standpoint calculated to avoid polarized discussion. Instead of asking whether the public is, for example, for or against abortion, we will prompt participants to examine the question of “who chooses,” or who should decide if a woman should or should not have a child. We will also attempt to address the widespread misinformation surrounding reproductive rights by creating an informative brochure, approaching the issue from the perspective of law, religion and history.
We invite you to join us for this unique project to create a national model for choice dialogue. We have a limited number of spaces available for volunteers, docents, board members and supporters to participate and become trained as dialogue facilitators. Please let us know if you’d like to apply for participation. Statements of interest should be sent to: director@matildajoslyngage.org .
Reproductive rights carries the same controversial stigma today that voting rights carried in Matilda’s day, and the arguments then and now are surprisingly similar. We honor Matilda for her work to bring clarity to the discussion about voting by bringing clarity to the issue of reproduction. “Who Chooses?” is designed to foster strong dialogue and the respectful exchange of ideas among the public - all viewpoints are welcome.
ATTENTION TEACHERS! AN INVITATION FROM THE MATILDA JOSLYN GAGE FOUNDATION
Please join us for a Reception and Tour of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center
210 East Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY 13066 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 3:30-5:30 pm
We would like to share with you the opportunity to learn more about this important local historical figure.
Matilda Joslyn Gage (1824-1898) was involved in the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad.
Along with Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gage was a major figure in the Women’s Rights Movement. With them, she co-authored The History of Woman Suffrage.
She was a supporter of Native American sovereignty.
A courageous proponent of the Total Separation of Church and State, she was the author of Woman, Church and State.
Because of her strong, liberal position on religious freedom, she was written out of history books until recently.
Gage’s prescient ideas are as relevant today as they were in the 19th century, as we witness:
• The continued violation of human rights in the world
• The debate on the role of religion in government
• Women striving for total equality
• The assault on women’s rights by state governments
• Native Americans being criticized for claiming their sovereignty
This is a great way to bring Central New York history into your classroom and promote discussion of the past and contemporary issues. Materials for lessons, activities, and curriculm packets available.
At The
Matilda Joslyn Gage Center 210 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville
August 15 - 19
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
for girls entering 6th through 8th grades
Explore the rooms in the home of 19th century activist Matilda Joslyn Gage through fun, thought-provoking and empowering activities
Haudenosaunee Room – Go outdoors for some nature exploration; learn about the harmonious and balanced culture of Central New York’s Native Americans and how they inspired Mrs. Gage in her work for social justice
Women’s Rights Room – Create a special exhibit with a Seneca Falls doll house crafter and portrait artist; meet a local pioneer of science
Oz Parlor & Local History Hall – Learn about the powerful girls of Oz, see what it was like to wear corsets and petticoats and take a look at today’s clothing styles
Religious Freedom Room - Discover the rich diversity of people and religion in Central New York; learn about labyrinths; try meditation.
Underground Railroad Room - Uncover the secrets of the Underground Railroad; examine today’s bullying problem; try your hand at acting; join a drumming circle
… and wrap up each day with a real Victorian tea party!
With a walking tour of Gage’s Fayetteville on May 14. Led by Senior Docent Sue Boland. Starts 3 p.m. at the Gage Center.
The Matilda Joslyn Gage Center will celebrate Oz during the 2011 New York Heritage Weekend May 14 and 15. A special exhibit of 26 original Oz-inspired quilts by the Towpath Quilters’ Guild will be on display, along with books and activities for young people.
The Gage Center, located in the home of suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage, is the only home where Oz author L. Frank Baum lived that is open to the public. Baum, born May 15, 1856, was the son-in-law of Gage. The Gage Center, located at 210 E. Genesee St. in Fayetteville, will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days.
Also featured will be a walking tour of Gage’s Fayetteville at 3 p.m. May 14. This mile-long stroll through Gage’s 19th century neighborhood will be led by Senior Docent Sue Boland and will include an explanation of Gage’s work for human rights, along with stops at places of significance to her life and family. The tour begins at the Gage Center.
Admission to the Gage Center and the walking tour are each $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, or free with membership in the Gage Center. For more information call (315) 637-9511 or email foundation@matildajoslyngage.org.
Heritage Weekend is a state-wide celebration to kick off the tourist season in New York State. Visit the website for information on other weekend events: http://www.heritageweekend.org/Home.aspx.
Let’s celebrate spring, our Center being open and each other.
You have worked hard to bring us to this amazing point— in 10 short years, a million dollar campaign completed and a restored house opened as a Center for dialogue about social justice issues.
Let’s celebrate and dream our way forward together.
Come to the Gage Center (210 E. Genesee St. in Fayetteville, N.Y.) May 12, 4:00-6:30 p.m., for refreshments, celebrating and envisioning together.
The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation received a Certificate of Commendation from Museumwise for the “Come Write on Our Walls” campaign. This recognition came as part of the Museumwise Awards of Merit program. Labeled an “outstanding project in the public dimension,” the Gage Center’s campaign invites visitors to share their ideas for future exhibits and programs by literally writing on the museum walls in each of the social-justice themed rooms.
The award presentation took place on April 3 at the Museum Association of New York Conference in Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner, executive director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The Gage Foundation received a GO grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, which allowed staff members to attend the conference.
The Gage Center is a museum of ideas that uses dialogue to explore the contemporary manifestations of the social justice issues Gage worked for during her lifetime. Located at 210 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, N.Y., it is now open to the public on Saturdays and Mondays from 10-4. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group rates are available. Special group tours are also available. For more information, call (315) 637-9511 or email foundation@matildajoslyngage.org.
The GO grants are one of a series of grants offered to help museums and historical societies strengthen and develop their institutions and work with their communities. These grants, administered by Museumwise, are designed to make it easy for organizations to access professional help and improve their institutions. Information about these grant programs, eligibility requirements and deadlines is available on Museumwise’s website at www.museumwise.org or contact Museumwise by email at info@museumwise.org and by phone at (800) 895-1648.
Thank you to our supportive friends who sent kind words of congratulations. For instance:
Dear Sally & Staff,
On behalf of ACLA, please accept our congratulations on being recognized by Museumwise for your Writing on the Walls concept.
It truly is a fun way for visitors to share/leave their thumbprint, in
a more lasting way and visible way.
Also on the restoration, which proved to be a challenge, as well as the dream of many, moving forward.
Continued success as the organization continues to move ahead.
Best wishes,
Carol A. Sweet, President
Arts and Culture Leadership Alliance of CNY
Lotte Flack Makes Her American Debut By Michael Aaron Gallagher
From StayFamous.net, April 4, 2011
Syracuse, NY - As she stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet at the Palace Theater, her delightful smile and carefree twirl, showing off her stylish heals, were sure signs that German actress Lotte Flack (who is from Hamburg) was glad to be in America. It may not have been the warm, tropical beauty of the Florida coast, but for her coming to United States was something she had always wanted to do. … More
‘Pope Joan’ Premieres at the Palace Theatre By Michael Aaron Gallagher
From The Scotsman Online, April 4, 2011
It’s not often Syracuse plays host to a red carpet movie premiere complete with fanfare, “paparazzi” and a movie star.
But on April 2, “Pope Joan” drew a sell-out crowd to the Palace Theatre, which hosted a two-day fund raising event for The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation. … More
A white stretch limo pulls up in front of the Palace. Out step elegantly gowned women and groomed men and walk onto the red carpet. The paparazzi snap away, while a mother-daughter team asks the new arrivals for designer names and the press pushes for interviews. An up-and-coming teen actress from Germany mingles with the crowd inside, charming fans with her poise and youthful enthusiasm.
Hollywood? No, Syracuse at the smashing Red Carpet Premiere of the movie Pope Joan Saturday, April 2. This sold-out screening was followed by a full house for the Sunday matinee the following day.
How does one thank a Shero like Donna Woolfolk Cross? First she gives us the gripping narrative of a powerful woman whose unbelievable story was forbidden to be told. Then she dedicates a decade of her life to transforming the Pope Joan story into a movie. And finally, she brings this European hit home to us, this Red Carpet Screening a gift to her own community, with the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation as the recipient of the proceeds.
How does one respond to this generosity of spirit? By enjoying ourselves thoroughly at this event, as Donna wanted us to do; and as we did, having fun and partying like rock stars. And then by recommitting ourselves to continue to repopulate history (as Mary Beard calls it) with the myriad of magnificent women — like Pope Joan and Matilda Joslyn Gage — who have been banned from our richwhiteguy history.
We inhabit a different world when we know that women have never been just a footnote in history, a helpful assistant to the male shapers of the future. If we know that a woman announced her candidacy for President in 1872, and another one actually carried out a presidential campaign in 1884, why don’t we have a history of women presidents today? If we know that a woman in our own community (Matilda Joslyn Gage) worked for everything in her lifetime from treaty rights and sovereignty to equal pay for equal work and an end to trafficking, how can we do less? And if we know that there was once a female Pope, then why not another one?
Thank you, Donna, for giving us this historic event. Let the movie travel forth from Syracuse to the country!
Sally Roesch Wagner Executive Director, The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation
Due to the enormous excitement over this special event, the Saturday night screening of Pope Joan sold out much earlier than expected. But don’t be disappointed: you may still have a chance to be part of the excitement. We added a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 3.
The Sunday show is close to selling out as well. There are still some tickets available due to cancellations. Please call (315) 637-9511 to check on availability.
Here’s what’s involved on Sunday:at 3 p.m., you can see the videotape of author Donna Woolfolk Cross’s Saturday talk—the hilarious and enlightening story behind the making of the movie. Her talk will be followed immediately by the movie screening. Afterward, Donna will be on hand for a Q&A with the audience and for a book/audiobook signing.
If you purchased tickets for either show and have not received them yet, please pick them up at the box office when you arrive for the event.
Red Carpet Premiere (SOLD OUT)
Sat., April 2, 2011 The Palace Theater
2384 James St., Syracuse, N.Y.
Reception for VIP ticket holders 4 p.m.
Intro to film (open to all) 7 p.m.
Matinee, Sun., April 3 The Palace Theater
Doors open 2:30 p.m.
Pre-show video 3 p.m.
Film 3:40 p.m.
Q&A with author 6 p.m.
For 1,200 years her existence has been denied. Pope Joan is the legend that will not die, the woman who disguised herself as a man and sat for two years on the papal throne. Based on the international bestseller by author Donna Woolfolk Cross, the film brings the Dark Ages to life in all their brutal splendor, and shares the dramatic story of a woman whose courage makes her a heroine for every age.
Teen actress Lotte Flack, who plays “Young Joan” in the film, will be coming to the Syracuse Red Carpet premiere! She will join author Donna Woolfolk Cross to introduce the film and do a Q&A following the April 2 screening.
4:00-4:30 Tour of the newly restored Gage Center, with Hors d’Oeuvres.
4:20-5:00 Celebration of high school essay and grade school poster contest winners.
5:00-5:45 with Colleen Kattau and the Eagle Hill Middle School girls’ chorus performing songs from their upcoming CD.
5:45-6:15 POETRY CHAPBOOK RELEASE - Protest, Petition, Write, Speak: Matilda Joslyn Gage poems by Martin Willitts. Martin will be reading from his poems and signing books.
6:15-7:00 Birthday celebration and cake, with entertainment provided by flutist. Cake provided by Connie Decker of the Chocolate Truffle. _____________________________________________________________________________________
Beginning Sat., March 26, the Gage Center will be open for visitors Saturdays and Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and other times by appointment. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group rates are available.
Questions? Contact the Gage office at 315-637-9511 or at foundation@MatildaJoslynGage.org.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ATTENTION TEACHERS! 
Let’s celebrate spring, our Center being open and each other.
Sold-Out Screenings Benefit Gage Foundation
the Pope Joan story into a movie. And finally, she brings this European hit home to us, this Red Carpet Screening a gift to her own community, with the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation as the recipient of the proceeds.
1872, and another one actually carried out a presidential campaign in 1884, why don’t we have a history of women presidents today? If we know that a woman in our own community (Matilda Joslyn Gage) worked for everything in her lifetime from treaty rights and sovereignty to equal pay for equal work and an end to trafficking, how can we do less? And if we know that there was once a female Pope, then why not another one?
